Nov 43 min read

3 Tips to Deter ATM Smash-and-Grab Attacks

by Tony Mercer, Director of Operations

ATM USA, Powered by PAI

In recent years, ATMs ̶ especially off-premise ATMs ̶ have become targets for criminals using dramatic smash-and-grab tactics. While it's challenging to completely prevent a determined criminal from ramming a vehicle through a storefront, there are several proven strategies to discourage these costly and dangerous attacks, and protect your ATMs.

Here are three approaches to protecting your ATMs from smash-and-grab attempts.

Increase Perceived Risk Through Enhanced Surveillance

Criminals know comprehensive surveillance systems significantly increase their chances of being caught. This concept of "perceived risk" is a powerful deterrent, especially for less determined criminals.

To maximize this deterrent effect:

Install high-quality security cameras with clear views of both the ATM and surrounding areas
Place prominent signage advertising your surveillance system
Ensure cameras are visible and well-maintained
Position multiple cameras at different angles to eliminate blind spots

The key is not just having security cameras but making their presence obvious to potential criminals. When thieves know they're being watched from multiple angles, they're more likely to seek easier targets.

Reduce the Potential Reward

Consider adding prominently displayed decals on and around your ATM stating that money is removed nightly. Why?

One of the most effective ways to deter ATM theft is to make criminals question whether the potential payoff is worth the risk and effort. The key is to create doubt about the amount of cash available in the machine.

Even if the cash isn't removed nightly, this messaging can make criminals think twice about targeting a location. When weighing the considerable effort and risk involved in a smash-and-grab attack, uncertainty about the potential reward can be enough to discourage many would-be thieves.

Strengthen Physical Security Measures

Physical security improvements create multiple layers of protection for your retail or off-premise ATMs. Here are several proven methods:

ATM Anchoring: Properly securing your ATM to the floor with industrial-grade bolts makes it significantly harder to remove, even with vehicle assistance. This extra time requirement increases risk for criminals and may discourage attempts entirely.

Bollard Installation: Installing sturdy bollards (protective posts) in front of your store creates a robust physical barrier against vehicular attacks. These should be properly engineered and installed to withstand significant impact.

Protective Armor: Adding steel reinforcement panels around the ATM makes it more difficult to access the cash vault and increases the machine's overall weight, making it harder to transport. This "armor" can be both functional and visually deterring.

Ink Security Systems: Modern ATMs can be equipped with sophisticated ink-marking systems that activate during theft attempts. These systems detect unusual movement or explosions and release special dye that marks all bills in the machine. This renders the money unusable to criminals while remaining recoverable by legitimate owners.

Professional Expertise Makes a Difference

While these security measures are proven effective, implementing them correctly requires expertise. ATM outsourcing professionals can help evaluate your specific situation and recommend the most appropriate combination of security features for your location. These experts understand both the technical aspects of ATM security and the latest criminal tactics, allowing them to design comprehensive protection strategies.

By combining reduced rewards, increased risk, and enhanced physical security, retailers and financial institutions with off-premise ATMs can significantly decrease their vulnerability to smash-and-grab attacks. While no security system is completely impenetrable, these measures create multiple layers of protection that make the ATM a less attractive target for criminals.