POLICE have warned crooks from Merseyside and Manchester travelling to Lancashire to commit crime: Stay out of our county.

The warning was issued as police launched a major crackdown in a bid to reduce the amount of cash in transit robberies.

The initiative, codenamed Operation Vault, will see extra officers drafted in and the use of high-tech number plate reading technology.

Earlier this year it was revealed that Lancashire had the ninth highest number of cash-in-transit robberies out of the country's 43 police forces.

Police said that they had received intelligence which suggested Lancashire was becoming more of a target for crooks who carry out cash-in-transit robberies from neighbouring Merseyside and Greater Manchester.

Detective Superintendent Kevin Toole, who heads up the operation, said: "Our aim is to send out the clearest possible message that criminals are not welcome here in our county.

"We intend to make life as difficult as possible for any would-be cash in transit robber and we are seeking the help of firms who move large amounts of money about and making them aware of the potential dangers.

"The robberies we have suffered highlight the many problems caused by travelling criminals, many of whom are ruthless, violent and terrify those unfortunate enough to get in their way."

Mr Toole added: "We also aim to look very closely at vehicles that carry cash and, where appropriate, will offer advice on additional and security measures.

"Our intention is to make everything more secure and consequently more difficult for anyone intending to commit robbery.

"Our ANPR technology can track the movement of suspect vehicle.

"We have also consulted with officers from Merseyside and Greater Manchester.

"We intend to make it quite clear that Lancashire is not a soft target."