Sydney, 23 December, 2008: Representatives from the NSW Police Force, Australian banks, building societies, credit unions, independent deployers of ATMs and the cash-in-transit industry have this morning met in Sydney to discuss the recent spate of ATM attacks.
In recent months, criminals have been introducing an accelerant into ATMs to destroy the machine and steal the stored cash.
All participants at today’s meeting are hoping for the early arrest of the criminals who are perpetrating this crime. All the meeting’s participants are concerned that an innocent bystander may be injured, or worse, in one of these attacks.
Today’s meeting agreed a cooperative approach will be taken involving the NSW Police Force and the entire ATM industry to combat the crime and to share knowledge of security strategies.
Two high level working groups have been formed:
- ATM working group - consists of the NSW Police Force and peak bodies representing ATMs including the Australian Bankers’ Association (ABA); Abacus, representing building societies and credit unions; and the ATM Industry Association (ATMIA) which represents third party deployers of ATMs; and other sectors within the ATM industry.
- Cash-In-Transit working group - consists of the NSW Police Force, cash-in-transit representatives from Armaguard, Chubb and Brinks, and the ABA. This group will also be seeking representation from the owners of shopping centres.
The aim of these working groups is to examine the issues which are being faced in the short-term by the participants and also to concentrate on future strategies which may be employed to prevent this type of violent crime.
Deputy NSW Police Commissioner, Nick Kaldas, said: “I am happy that comprehensive, high level strategies are being put in place to deal with these concerning attacks. There is genuine commitment and focus to find solutions, not just for now, but also into the future.”
It is important to note that ATMs are deployed in NSW by banks, building societies, credit unions and independent operators. There are about 9000 ATMs in NSW.
David Bell, Chief Executive of the ABA, said: “The meeting was a good opportunity to explain to the police the security strategies which banks are undertaking. Banks have been reviewing security at their ATMs and considering a range of measures including further installation of dye packs, gas detection systems and other preventative measures to combat this crime. Many of the banks have already started deploying these new security systems across their ATM fleets.”
Louise Petschler, Chief Executive of Abacus, said: “We will be working with our members – credit unions and building societies – through the working group on the strategic measures to prevent this crime. It is positive that police and the entire industry have come together to discuss the issues.”
Sandra Smith, Executive Director of ATMIA, said: “We will continue to work as a unified group, not only within the industry, but also with the police to determine the most appropriate strategy to overcome these gas attacks and any other crimes targeted at ATMs.”
For further information:
NSW Police Force Media:
Sonia Roberts: P: 02 8835 8339 M: 0425 214 090
Australian Bankers’ Association
Heather Wellard: P: 02 8298 0411 M: 0409 830 439
Abacus
Pamela Eldridge: P: 02 8299 9024 M: 0423 843 790
ATMIA:
Sandra Smith: M: 0424 300 660
ENDS