Audiology

 Keep Secure Around ATM's

ATM Crime Considerations

Many ATM robberies occur at night between 7pm and midnight when the machine only produces [a fraction|10%} of the daily transactions. Between 7pm and 4am, the ATMs handle only 11% of the total daily transactions but suffer the majority of the crime.

Who Are the Robbers?

Bank ATM robbers are usually males under 25 years of age and many of themwork alone. ATM thieves usually position themselves nearby and wait for a person to come along and take out money. Many ATM theft victims are women and many are alone when attacked. Most that they never saw the suspect coming. Most ATM robbers used a gun or claimed to have a concealed weapon when confronting the victim and taking their cash.

Pick a Safe Location

Use only ATM machines in well-lighted, high-visibility areas. ATMs inside busy stores are considered safer. Don't use ATMs that are remote or hidden like those located behind buildings, behind pillars, dark lobbies, or away from public view. Beware of obvious places like shrubs or overgrown areas. ATM robbers like to surprise you and want no witnesses. Robbers like good escape routes like nearby highway [exits|on-ramps} or high speed thru-streets.

Get a list of ATM locations from your bank and keep it in your car. Choose an ATM that looks and seems safer, even if it is out of your way. Try and limit your use to daylight hours. Take someone with you at night, if you can. When you drive up to an ATM location, watch the area for any suspicious persons. If you see anyone suspicious that is standing nearby or sitting by themselves in a car, drive away. When you approach on foot be prepared and have your ATM card ready. Memorize your personal PIN number to prevent loss and don't write it down. After inserting your card and your PIN number keep an eye out behind you. Never accept an invitation to help or request for help from a suspicious person while at the ATM.

Be Alert

If anyone suspicious or seemingly dangerous approaches terminate your transaction and leave immediately. Tell the suspicious person in a loud, confident voice to "get away"|"back-off"] and leave you alone. This is designed to startle the person give you time to flee. It is far easier to apologize later or suffer some embarrassment for your fear than to become a robbery statistic. When you get your cash from the machine put it away immediately, extract your card, and get away.