ATMs: More Use-More Problems

As ATMs become more common and their use increases, so will the crimes connected with them increase. One criminologist says bankers need to look at ATMs as convenience stores for money- and the types of crimes will be the same.

Studies already indicate that a person who services an ATM alone is a victim of robbery more often than teams-and customers who use an ATM alone are more likely to be attacked than those who are accompanied by family or friends.

The revised Bank Protection Act (Reg P) has no specific recommendations concerning location, lighting, security, etc. With a the lack of standards in our own regulations, we can expect government bodies to pass laws regarding the security at the ATM. Chicago has already adopted ordinances that establishes minimum lighting and requires an ATM to close after dark if it is in a high crime area.

California lawmakers have established lighting guidelines throughout the state, and regulates, in several cities, ATM locations and security measures.

As security officers become more aware of the possibility of lawsuits arising from ATMs, they should be looking to providing adequate staff, educating consumers, and documenting security procedures.

Documentation has become of major importance in light of the changes in the Bank Protection Act which decree personal liability on the part of the security officer.

Copyright © 1991 Bankers' Hotline. Originally appeared in Bankers' Hotline, Vol. 2, No. 2, 3/91