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New foam protection system from G4S

In line with its strategy to deter and deflect crime, G4S Cash Solutions South Africa is installing a new foam protection system in all of its cash-in-transit vehicles that carry bulk and high value consignments. Based on technology from Penman Engineering, a UK company; this solution makes it nearly impossible for criminals to steal contents from the hold of the cash-in-transit vehicles.

The G4S Denial of Access (DOA) Solution comprises two units that contain a ‘mix and dispense pack’ of expanding foam. When a trigger event occurs, the foam rapidly expands until it fills the hold of the vehicle and hardens into a hardy material similar in composition to polyurethane fillers.

This material cannot be melted with chemicals or fire, meaning that it will take a would-be robber longer to chip through the foam in order to get to the valuables, than it will take the SAPS or armed response backup to arrive at the scene. The product will be used in vehicles that move from safe location to safe location, especially those transporting bulk currency and precious metals.

The DOA foam protection system is fully integrated with the vehicle’s tracking and door locking system. It may be triggered by a panic button held by the driver or remotely by an operator at the G4S National Control Centre (NCC). It can also be triggered if an unauthorised person tries to tamper with the doors of the hold before the vehicle arrives at its destination.

The use of the foam eliminates the need for an armed officer in the back of the vehicle. Furthermore, the driver is not able to open the hold himself – it needs to be opened remotely by the NCC. G4S’s South African subsidiary is the second to adopt this innovative technology, behind the security group’s UK operations.

Says Hannes Venter, sales director at G4S Cash Solutions South Africa: “The introduction of this foam protection system falls in line with our commitment to using the latest technologies to safeguard our customer’s assets as well as the lives of our security officers and members of the public.

“Rather than relying on a lot of people with guns to protect our vehicles, we are instead using the latest technology to deter and deflect criminals. This approach is optimal both from a public safety perspective as well as from the point of view of keeping our clients’ currency and high value goods safe.”

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