A major cash in transit security firm has been forced to spend over €500,000 in fitting out its vans with a new security system in the wake of a spate of armed attacks.
Brinks Allied says there has been as many raids on its vans in the first six months of this year as in all of last year.
Mr Alan Jordan, head of operations with the company, said the rising number of attacks left them with little choice but to invest in greater security.
He said four new vans had arrived back from Holland today fitted out with a special security system that prevents the cash being removed from the vehicle.
He also expressed serious concerns about the safety of staff. "It's a very stressful situation for them, they're being injured while on duty and we have to do everything we can to stop these attacks."
His comments came hours after four people were arrested for an armed robbery at the Bank of Ireland in Arklow.
Gardai have launched a crackdown on 'cash in transit' armed robberies, deploying some 25 detectives on a major Dublin operation - codenamed Delivery.
Mr Jordan said he believed the Gardai were doing a "great job in tackling the problem" but added that it was in everyone's interest to deter the criminals. He said: "We ensure that cash is moved throughout the state, so effectively we are the lifeblood of this economy."