This Monday morning, an unusual scene enlivened the Grand-Place in Montreuil-sur-Mer. The vehicle of a cash conveyor, in the middle of a delivery mission, suffered a puncture, leading to the immediate intervention of gendarmes from the Gendarmerie Surveillance and Intervention Platoon (PSIG).
A notable but safe intervention
Around 9 a.m., the conveyor was preparing to resupply an ATM located in the Banque Populaire du Nord branch, at 57 Grand-Place. In accordance with the strict security protocols linked to this profession, the armored vehicle was parked in the space reserved for cash transport. However, the driver quickly noticed a puncture preventing him from leaving his vehicle.
Although the incident presented no immediate danger, the situation required special vigilance. Unlike an ordinary motorist, a cash conveyor cannot simply get out of his vehicle to change a wheel, in particular because of the risks inherent to his activity. These risks are even higher during the holiday season, which is conducive to malicious acts.
A strictly regulated profession
Cash transport is governed by strict standards requiring each vehicle to be equipped with a communication system, an alarm connected to an alert center, and a remote tracking device allowing permanent location. These measures aim to protect agents against attacks and ambushes.
A coordinated response
Alerted in accordance with protocol, the PSIG gendarmes dispatched two teams of three heavily armed soldiers to the scene. Their mission: to secure the area around the vehicle until a repairer arrives. The operation took place under the intrigued gaze of passers-by and traders who were opening their shops. Fortunately, no incidents were reported.
This episode reminds us of the importance of security measures in this high-risk profession, where vigilance remains essential, even in the face of a seemingly innocuous technical problem.
Source: La Voix du Nord
