The BSIA has issued a formal complaint to Ofcom following Channel 4's decision to broadcast the Derren Brown programme entitled ‘The Heist'.

The programme covered a group of ‘hypnotised' businessmen and women perpetrating an armed robbery on a Cash-and-Valuables-in-Transit vehicle. The programme suggested that the participants would "experience something that makes them feel great and exhilarated".

The BSIA believes that Channel 4 is in breach of the Ofcom Broadcasting Code - in particular Section 3.1 and Section 3.6 - for encouraging crime and endangering lives.

BSIA chief executive David Dickinson told SMT: "Screening a television programme that trivialises armed robbery and presents a romanticised view of crime could further endanger the lives of Cash-and-Valuables-in-Transit crews, all of whom provide such a vital public service in delivering cash to our High Streets.

"Screening this programme shows no regard for the men and women who can be exposed to grave risks and danger in the course of their everyday working lives. It could also endanger the lives of members of the public who, through no fault of their own, become embroiled in armed robberies. Channel 4 has acted extremely irresponsibly in screening ‘The Heist'."

Source

SMT