ATM Security
Presented by: Jefferson County Sheriffs Office Sheriff Oliver Glenn Boyer
Purpose
To implement a program for the public in effort to heighten citizen awareness towards robbery prevention during Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) transactions.
Automatic Teller Machines
Since the 1980s ATMs have became apart of a way of life for the on the go consumer Fast, convenience, and open 24 hours No longer do we go to a Gas Station for just GAS
ATM Liability
The concept of theft predictability is critical when lawsuits arise for possible negligence from banks. If the courts feel the bank (or business) should have been able to predict thefts at an ATM (because of bushes, darkness, or solitude), they will often find the bank to be negligent. For instance in the case of Taco Bell vs. Lannon, the customer Lannon was injured from a shot fired by a robber after he withdrew money from an ATM at a Taco Bell restaurant. The court ruled that since there had been ten armed robberies at the same ATM in three years, Taco Bell was negligent. This is an example of how banks and businesses are exposed to liability lawsuits as a result of the location of their ATM's. Although this case is quite straightforward, the issue of negligence is not always so obvious. As this type of crime increases, banks and businesses will continue to be forced to deal with ATM safety on their own.
ATM Technology
Technology is providing some solutions to risk management of ATM robberies. For example, a company called Zi-Cubed Inc. has developed software that allows users, by entering a variation of their PIN number, to signal an emergency and notify police.
ATM Statistics
At least 24,000 ATM crimes are committed each year Nearly 2000 people are killed each year in connection with ATM Robberies
Source : Zi-Cubed Inc.
Safety Issues With ATMs
The greatest convenience of an ATM is that it stays open 24 hours a day Prepare yourself at night Most ATM robberies occur between the hours of 8:00 P.M. and midnight
ATMs In Convenience Stores
Using ATMs inside Convenient Stores provide more safety and witnesses Be careful of other customers Limit your cash withdraws (take only what you need) Pick up you receipt (it contains account numbers) Conceal you pin number (shield it with your body
ATM Robbers
Most are males Under 25 years of age Usually work alone Claim to be armed or display a firearm Position themselves near the ATM They like to have good escape routes (nearby freeway on-ramps)
Handling A Suspicious Person
If someone suspicious approaches you at an ATM terminal cancel your transaction and leave immediately Never accept help or offer help to someone that appears to be struggling at an ATM If you can not cancel the transaction and a suspicious person seems to be watching you tell them to Back Off in a loud and firm voice, this is said to startle the person and gives you time to depart (They are looking for prey)
Drive-Thru ATMs
Using the drive-thru ATM needs to have the same precautionary measures Listen to your gut instinct and drive away Keep your car in gear and foot firmly on the brake Lock all doors and have all windows rolled up, except yours Keep your eyes on the rear view mirror and side mirrors If you see someone approaching you drive off even if it means leaving your ATM card behind
Describing A Suspect
Start from the top and work down Male or Female Race Height / Weight Color Hair and Eyes Hat, Glasses, Clothing. And Shoes Facial Hair (color) Scars, Marks, or Tattoos
Vehicle Description
CYMBAL Color Year Make and Model Body Style And License Number
Tips For ATM Use
Use only in well-lighted areas Use in high traffic areas Beware of pillars, walls, shrubbery or other places a robber may use for concealment Get a list of ATM locations from your banking institution, pick out ATMs that have safest location for you Limit you ATM use Have someone with you Be prepared before getting to the ATM (have your Debit Card ready)
Things get hari (kari) with sword-wielding customer at ATM
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- A man who authorities believe to be a Canadian national damaged an ATM at a local convenience store with a large Samurai sword, according to a report in the Knoxville News-Sentinel. Police said Richard Mark Plantagenet, 24, walked into the Shell convenience store at midnight on May 25 and started hacking the machine with a 4-foot-long Samurai sword, upsetting several customers who were inside the store at the time. Police arrived at the scene and arrested Plantagenet, who originally gave police another name. Authorities confirmed his identity through fingerprints provided by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service and the FBI. Police believe Plantagenet was in the country illegally. No motive was given for the attack.
ATM Robbery
On February 21, 2002, at approximately 10:35 p.m., the victim was standing outside his car while his 2-year-old daughter was seated inside the car. Two suspects pulled up in a vehicle down the street from the victim. One suspect approached the victim on foot and got into the passenger side of the victims vehicle and displayed a handgun. He demanded money and threatened to harm the victims child. The suspect ordered the victim to drive to a bank and retrieve money. The victim drove, with the suspect in his vehicle, while his child was asleep in the car seat. The second suspect followed the victim in the suspects vehicle. The victim retrieved money from the ATM as the suspect stood behind him. Both suspects left in their vehicle with the victims money and ATM card. Suspect Descriptions: 1. Male black, 18-25 years of age, 6'0", 145-180 lbs., black hair " afro, dark grey sweat jacket w/ hood, black pants. He was described as having a round face and buck teeth. He was armed with a handgun. 2. Male black Suspect Vehicle: Black 1985, 4-door, Chevrolet Cavalier or Nova
ATM Surveillance Cameras
ATM Stun Gun
On Friday March 23, 2002, at around 10:25 p.m. two females were robbed of their night deposit bag by a male armed with a stun gun. The two female victims aged 18 & 46 were employees of a local restaurant and were attempting to make a night deposit. As the two females approached the bank, a lone male approached the two and demanded their bank deposit while activating a stun gun. The male grabbed their deposit bag and fled the scene. The victims did not sustain any injuries. The culprit is described as: Male, white, 16 years, 5'7, 130 lbs., medium build, shaved brown hair, wearing black pants and a grey sweatshirt.
Review
Only use in a well-lighted, open high traffic areas If lights around the ATM are not working dont use that machine Avoid ATM machines adjacent to obvious hiding places When you approach an ATM scan the area first for loiterers Have you card ready and leave quickly Leave immediately if your instincts tell you to Tell someone to Back Off if you feel they are crowding you Call police after getting to a safe location
What Is More Important?
It is far more important for you to escape unharmed without risking serious physical injury or death.
