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The Australian Bankers’ Association (ABA) says banks are increasing security measures on ATMs following recent attacks by criminals.
Banks reported to a meeting with NSW Police and other ATM owners that the sector had been involved in a continuing risk assessment program for their ATM fleets and had been enhancing ATM security. This follows attacks by criminals who have introduced an explosive gas mixture into ATMs with the aim of breaking in and stealing the stored cash. Installation of gas detection and dispersement systems, cash degradation systems (dye packs) and toughening physical security on ATMs are some of the measures which banks have installed.
Individual banks take different approaches according to the types of ATMs in their fleet, where they are located, the infrastructure which surrounds the machine, visibility and lighting, and the security history of the site.
In response to recent comments by NSW Police Minister, Tony Kelly, who called on banks to install dye packs at ATMs, ABA Acting Chief Executive, Tony Burke, said: “Security is a top priority for banks and that’s why a number of security measures are being installed on ATMs – dye packs, gas detection and dispersement systems and toughening physical security.”
“There is no silver bullet to prevent this crime – it will be a combination of measures, based on thorough risk assessments. This is the approach used around the world. Dye packs may be inappropriate for an ATM in a crowded convenience store or shopping plaza, because of the risks they pose to innocent bystanders.”
“The banking sector is also hoping for more arrests because removing these criminals from the streets of NSW and in other States will also assist in bringing down the number of attacks,” he said.
Not all ATMs are owned by banks. There are around 26,000 ATMs in Australia and banks own less than half of those (11,200 or 43%). Other providers include credit unions, building societies and independent deployers who supply cash machines. ABA says their security strategies may be different from the banks.
ABA also said the banking sector is very concerned that criminals will injure others, possibly even innocent bystanders, when they are triggering an explosion at an ATM. This is one of the reasons why banks have offered a reward of $50,000 for information which leads to the arrest and conviction of criminals who commit this type of crime.
The banking industry and police hope that an offer of a reward might give the public extra incentive to come forward with valuable information. Anyone with information which may lead to the arrest of suspects is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Source: Australian Bankers’ Association