| Most people have adopted ATM bank cash machines | | | | robbers used a gun or claimed to have a concealed |
| as a practical routine of their life. Cash machines offer | | | | weapon when confronting the victim and demanding |
| a real convenience to those on the run, but at the | | | | their cash. |
| same time offer an element of risk. Using a bank | | | | Self-Defense products offer great protection against |
| ATM machine safely requires awareness and a little | | | | ATM robberies and especially when the assault turns |
| planning. Just because a bank ATM machine is open | | | | into a carjacking and or abduction. The most practical |
| and available 24-hours a day, doesn't mean it is | | | | forms of self-defense devices against ATM attacks |
| always safe to use it. Most banks do not offer | | | | are pepper sprays and personal alarms, as both of |
| security personnel to guard these machines during | | | | these items can be purchased in a key chain or visor |
| non-business hours and statistics tell us that most | | | | clip version. |
| bank ATM robberies occur at night between 7pm | | | | Here are some basic safety tips to utilize when using |
| and midnight when the machine only produces 10% | | | | ATM machines: |
| of the daily transactions. Between 7pm and 4am, the | | | | - Only use ATM machines in a well-lighted, open, |
| ATMs handle only 11% of the total daily transactions | | | | high-traffic area |
| but suffer 60% of the crime. | | | | - Use ATMs at inside busy supermarkets when |
| Who Are the Robbers of ATM machines? Crime data | | | | possible |
| indicate that most Bank ATM robberies are usually | | | | - If lights around the ATM are not working, don't use |
| committed by males less than 25 years of age and | | | | that machine |
| most work alone. ATM robbers usually position | | | | - Avoid bank ATM machines adjacent to obvious |
| themselves nearby (50 feet) waiting for a victim to | | | | hiding places |
| approach and withdraw cash. Statistics show that | | | | - When you approach an ATM, scan the area first |
| 50% of the ATM robberies occur after the cash | | | | for loiterers |
| withdrawal. Many ATM robbery victims are women | | | | - Have your card ready and leave quickly, not |
| and were alone when robbed. Many victims claim that | | | | counting your cash in public. |
| they never saw the robber coming and most ATM | | | | |