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The consequences of an assault, robbery or attack on an ATM can be very damaging. 

Banks have been using various security systems for years to combat attempted robberies, break-ins or vandalism. These criminal attacks can have large-scale consequences in terms of the mental health of staff and can lead to slowing down or stopping work for a longer period. 

It is impossible to steal or commit acts of vandalism if you cannot see anything 

To safeguard valuables, banks often use an alarm and CCTV system. These methods are more passive security systems. The alarm will call for help and attract the attention of neighbors. The CCTV system will help the police and the bank during the investigation to document what happened and possibly identify the criminals. Both security measures are very important, but a passive security system will not stop criminals from doing their job. An active security system, such as security fog, will. 

The dense white security fog will remove all visibility in the room from the moment the robbery occurs until the security guard or police arrive on the scene. The fog cannon is activated by an alarm signal. In a matter of seconds, the thieves lose their sense of direction and leave the way they came. In this way, the premises are secured for up to an hour, since the fog cannons would be activated again if the thief tried to access the building again. 

PROTECT™ fog cannons are installed in thousands of banks around the world 

In Latin America and several European countries, fog cannons protect ATMs at bank entrances from gas explosions and vandalism. Some alarm sensors also help detect attempted robberies, or purely acts of vandalism. The cost of covering a single ATM attack could pay for the installation of several fog cannons that can prevent these attacks by criminals. 

In Mexico, fog cannons have been used to prevent the theft of ATMs both in branches and in remote ATMs and even ATMs found in retail branches. 

Cashpoint/ATM at night

In 2015, Brazil’s Caixa Econômica Federal suffered several attacks on its ATMs, some involving explosions. After installing PROTECT™ security fog, the number of attacks was reduced by almost 90%. Today, this bank has more than 5,000 fog cannons installed in the ATMs at its entrances. The system can be monitored by a control center or automated by installing several sensors, for example the fog cannon can be activated by glass breakage and by acoustic or impact sensors. The type of sensor chosen will depend on the bank’s preferences and experiences. 

Many years ago, Denmark’s Jyske Bank invested thousands of euros in redesigning all of its branches. Not only did they want to protect the new interiors from theft, but they also wanted the staff to feel safe. In 2008, Jyske Bank installed fog cannons in all of its branches and saw a noticeable reduction in the number of robberies, with losses coming to almost nothing. In the event of an attack, the bank could be back up and running in a short time. In 2018, they decided to renovate the facilities with various IP functionalities. 

The bank’s safe is usually in the back office. Instead of investing in high-security safes, banks protect the room with fog to prevent thieves from reaching the money. We also observe that these internal offices are increasingly secured with a fog cannon connected to the panic button, since in this area there are workers who count and prepare money for ATMs and cash withdrawals. If they find themselves in the middle of a robbery, employees could activate the fog themselves. 

An ATM attack can cost up to $150,000 

Banks around the world are trying to protect themselves from explosions. If an attack on the ATM is carried out successfully, it can have serious consequences: 

• The brand is damaged. If someone decides to blame the bank for not taking enough measures, it can have a great media impact. 
• Innocent people harmed by living in the building where the ATM exploded 
• The branch may have to close for a while 
• The building will need work or will have to be rebuilt if it has collapsed 
• If the ATM explosion sends debris flying into the air, innocent bystanders could be injured. 
• If the ATM has just been replenished, you can end up losing a large sum of cash 
• Branch managers will have to spend a lot of time dealing with police, concerned customers and workers, insurance claims, acquiring new equipment, etc. That time could have been used to continue working 
• Delivery of a new ATM may be delayed. Customers will go to a competitor’s ATM and will be difficult to return once the ATM has been reinstalled or replaced 
• The insurance company could increase the premium or change the conditions of the policy 

Fog is harmless to people, furniture and technical equipment 

Most banks have a health and safety policy to take care of the most valuable thing they have: their employees. Therefore, it is crucial to prevent attacks on the bank. Any robbery, break-in or attack on the ATM will cause anxiety to the staff. This can create serious trauma, which will persist for years and can weaken the worker. 

The fog fluid has been tested by independent laboratories and world-leading quality control institutes. PROTECT™ fog cannons have been approved worldwide by insurance associations and law enforcement agencies.

Protect your bank with PROTECT™ fog cannons

Secure your bank and ATMs from robberies and vandalism with PROTECT™ fog cannons, providing an active and effective security solution.

Contact us today to enhance your bank’s security with our advanced fog cannon systems!