A year ago, we featured a post that spoke to an increase in ATM hook and chain attacks. We wish we could tell you it is all behind us. However, these physical attacks on ATMs and ITMs have not stopped. We continue to see banks and credit unions suffer costly thefts and damages. Sometimes the thieves are successful at gaining access to the cash, sometimes they are not. But either way, the damage is done. We must continue to spread awareness of these hook-and-chain attacks and provide ways that financial institutions can remain diligent and protect their assets.
What happens during a hook and chain attack?
For an ATM hook-and-chain attack, criminals target freestanding outside lane drive-up units. This allows vehicles to pull close and hook through the depository and dispenser slots. The thieves attach a large hook, attached with a heavy chain to the back of their vehicle. Once connected, they accelerate. The goal of these attacks is for the force of the acceleration to open the ATM and safe door. Regardless of whether the thieves gain access to the safe, the attempt rips the ATM from the island. This results in damages to the ATM or ITM beyond repair.
These attacks usually occur late at night or early morning hours. The thieves ultimately abandon the vehicle used in the attack, as it is either stolen or rented and take off in another vehicle standing by. These hook-and-chain attacks take professional thieves less than 2 minutes to pull all the cassettes from an ATM.
What can I do to protect my ATM or ITM?
Thieves continue to show determination to find ways to gain access to ATM cash stores. Fortunately, there are a couple of preventative measures that you can take to help deter would-be thieves from attempting an attack on your ATM or ITM. We will discuss a couple of Edge One’s product offerings that will provide your financial institution with an added layer of security.
NCR Safe Slot Reinforcement Kits
Designed as a countermeasure to hook and chain attacks, these kits remove all available space around the depository and dispenser slots, while reinforcing the surrounding area. Each ATM requires two kits to ensure total protection.
ATM Security Gate
There are a variety of security gates available designed to help protect your ATMs from theft. Depending on the manufacturer, the security gate can attach to the concrete island or a slimline enclosure, similar to a kiosk. These gates use strong materials that come in a variety of colors to coordinate with your institution’s existing structure.
Contact us today to secure your ATM or ITM
Don’t leave your ATMs or ITMs vulnerable to a costly physical attack. The expert team at Edge One can provide you a no-obligation risk assessment and help you establish a plan of action to ensure your machines are safe. For more information about these, as well as other security offerings, Contact the team at Edge One at 800-423-3343(EDGE).
