Release from the German police: “A sufficiently dimensioned security fog system should be installed in the immediate vicinity of the ATM”

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The German police has recently issued a statement about the risk assessment of ATM security, where, among other suggestions, it is highly advised to install fog security systems in the ATM lobby.

Recommended actions for ATM operators

In particular, criminals from the Netherlands are increasingly attacking ATMs that are positioned outside. They are increasingly using explosives, some of which can lead to devastating damages. A child’s father was injured by blowing up an ATM directly on a residential area. In the near children’s room, it is only thanks to fortunate circumstances that no child was killed or at least seriously injured.

Number of cases are increasing

In 2019, 105 ATMs were blown up in Nordrhein-Westfalen, at least nine of them with explosives. As of May 4, 2020, there were already 78 explosions in 2020, of which at least 27 were explosives. The number of ATM blasts could double compared to the previous year. Analogous to the development in the Netherlands, the delinquents are increasingly using explosives and focus their crimes on machines that are not operated in a secure foyer.

Security recommendation

From the perspective of the State Criminal Police Office of Nordrhein-Westfalen, the document “Measures to protect ATMs” from March 11, 2019, which was approved by the Interior Minister, should therefore be updated as follows:

The installation of outdoors vending machines with adjoining residential areas implies an immediate danger to the life and health of the residents due to the actions of the Dutch thieves. A viable security concept that could allow these ATMs to continue operating is not yet known. Due to the described risk situation, the immediate closure of these locations should be sought.

Vending machines operating in a sufficiently large foyer and which are guaranteed in accordance with the aforementioned safety concept, available to all operators, can still be managed in close consideration of the known risks in adjacent residential developments.

Additional information on securing ATMs in the foyer area

We strongly recommend that ATMs are no longer accessible between 23:00 and 06:00, the critical time. During this time, the self-service area should be closed and secured with a burglar alarm system connected to an alarm center and an event-controlled video surveillance system. Doors, windows and the entire interior must be electronically secured so that a break-in or unauthorized entry is immediately and effectively recognized.

ATMs in the foyer should be placed at a maximum distance from windows and doors. A sufficiently dimensioned security fog system should be installed in the immediate vicinity of the ATM.

With the closure, the foyer is checked assuring person-free conditions. In the event of an attempted theft in the foyer area, the security fog system can be triggered automatically or alternatively directly by the alarm center.