POLICE have issued a warning to potential thieves thinking about robbing cash-in-transit vans - look out, you are being watched!

Security vehicles are being monitored by police using both high-visibility and covert patrols on the ground and in the air as part of 'Operation Guardian.'

As part of the initiative, posters will be sent to shops across Merseyside asking customers to remove any helmets, caps or hoods they may be wearing.

Many crooks use such disguises and by asking law-abiding people to remove such headgear, offenders will be deterred due to fear of being identified through CCTV.

The force's 'Be Streetsafe' yellow CCTV vans and regular patrol cars will escort vehicles as they carry out their normal deliveries.

If a robbery does occur, posters will be issued to retailers informing shoppers that anyone offering information acould receive a reward

Deputy Chief Constable Jon Murphy said: "Through Operation Guardian, Merseyside Police is sending a clear message to anyone who might be thinking of committing a robbery, that we're watching out for you.

"Merseyside Police has reduced cash-in-transit robberies since Operation Guardian began in 1998.

"This year, by working closely with our partners, the British Security Industry Association, and in the cash-handling industry, we will continue to use all the powers available to us to crack down on those who make the lives of businesses and the public a misery by committing these crimes."

One of the stores involved in the operation is Tesco in Bidston Moss.

The store's security manager, Dave Grundy, said: "We have been asked to display posters asking our customers to take off any headgear they may be wearing when entering the shop. We fully support this request and think that the majority of our customers who are law-abiding citizens will not mind taking off their hats when shopping in store.

"We appreciate there may be customers who have not noticed the signs and we'll be asking anyone who may be wearing a crash helmet to take it off."