A police helicopter and patrol cars are to follow vans carrying cash to protect them from robbers.

High-visibility and covert patrols are to safeguard the cash-in-transit vans in Merseyside as part of Operation Guardian.

The force's new helicopter will use return journeys from call-outs to "shadow" the vans carrying cash from businesses and banks.

Yellow CCTV vans, regular patrol cars and police bikes will escort vehicles as they carry out deliveries.

Business visits

Merseyside Police say the aims of the operation are to reassure the public and warn robbers that they are being watched.

Officers are also to visit businesses to help them reduce the possibility of being targeted by robbers.

Assistant Chief Constable Ian McPherson said: "We want to send a clear message to anyone who might be thinking of committing a robbery that we are looking out for you.

"Through the street crime initiative we have made a huge impact in reducing robbery in Merseyside.

"We are determined to extend this success to identifying and arresting offenders who commit cash-in-transit and business robberies."