Automatic teller machines (ATM’s) are big money machines for the banking industry. Unfortunately, the same is true for thieves. The surcharge paid by consumers on transactions also makes them important cash generators. ATMs are also now constructed to be portable — some weigh as little as 200 pounds — so they are also prime targets for thieves.
ATX Technologies, Inc., manufacturer of the On-Guard Tracker(R), has
developed a solution to ATM theft by adapting Trackers for use in these
devices. ATX has begun shipping units to Security Corporation of Richmond, Virginia, an ATM manufacturer, for installation in these cash machines.
These small Tracker units use the Global Positioning System (GPS)
satellites for locating and tracking ATMs. When an ATM is compromised, the Tracker notifies Security Corporation with its location, direction of travel and speed. The local authorities are contacted and guided to the machine before criminals have a chance to break into the ATM.
“A customer concerned about ATM theft brought this technology to our
attention,” said Eric Sheppard, vice president of Security Corporation. “We are pleased that ATX is able to provide us with this solution.”
“The market is ready and receptive to this technology,” said ATX President Steve Riebel. “There seems to be a real need for advanced ATM security and we’re pleased to meet the market’s demand.”
