• Home
  • Security Consultant
  • Expert Witness
  • Articles
  • Podcast
  • Media Interviews
  • Contact

Crime Doctor

Making Places Safe

ATM Machine Security Plan for Families Who Want to be Safe

March 21, 2018 Chris McGoey

ATM Machine Security Plan can help families avoid the risk of armed robbery.

  • What if we need to use the bank ATM machine late at night?
  • What if someone tries to rob us while using the ATM machine?
ATM Smartphone App image

Must look at two screens now instead of one

Our family is at the center of our personal universe. Most people would do almost anything for the sake of their families. That includes protecting them from known dangers and harm. This becomes increasingly difficult, at times, because we live in an open society where we share the same public places as violent criminals like at outdoor bank ATM machines.

ATM Machine Security Plan

Whenever your family walks out of the front door they leave that zone of protection that you have created. The secret to keeping your family reasonably safe once they leave home is to have a family security plan. To develop a family security plan you must give careful thought to the public routines of each family member and think of ways to make them safer from the violent people in the world.

The best way to accomplish this is to hold a family meeting to discuss this plan and play what-if using different scenarios. For example, 

  • What if we need to use the bank ATM machine?
  • What steps should we take to make the process safer?
  • What precautions can we take to be safer in the parking lot?
  • What if someone approaches to rob us while using the ATM machine?
  • What would we do and how would we react?
  • Where would we go and who would we notify in case of emergency?

Most people have no such family plan and have not met as a family to discuss what if situations. When or if a criminal assault does occur, the family will not be prepared and will have to rely on instinct in response to the incident.

What if their response instincts are wrong or their reactions inappropriate, under the circumstances?

We read about these all the time in the newspaper or hear about them on television, for example, where a man refuses to cooperate with the robber, only to be shot and killed. We have also become aware of incidents where someone using an ATM machine was kidnapped.

ATM Machine Security Plan

ATM cash machines have been incorporated in our way of life. They offer a real convenience to those on the run but at the same time offer an element of risk.

Using an ATM machine security plan requires awareness and forethought. Just because a convenient ATM machine is open and available 24-hours a day doesn’t mean it is safe to use it.

  • Most ATM robberies occur at night between [8:00] PM and midnight.
  • Bank ATM robbers are usually males under 25 years of age and most work alone.
  • ATM robbers often position themselves nearby waiting for a victim to approach and withdraw cash.
  • Most ATM robbery victims are women and were alone when robbed.
  • Most ATM robbery victims claim that they never saw the robber coming.
  • Most ATM robbers used a gun or claimed to have a concealed weapon when confronting the victim and demanding their cash.

If you or your family members use ATM cash machines on a regular basis, here are some tips that can make the process a little safer.

  • Use only ATM machines in well-lighted, high-traffic areas.
  • Don’t use ATM machines that are remote or hidden such as being located behind buildings, behind pillars or away from public view.
  • Beware of obvious hiding places like shrubbery or overgrown trees.
  • ATM robbers like to have the element of surprise with no witnesses.

Get a list of ATM locations from your bank and keep it in your car. Choose an ATM that looks and ‘feels’ safer, even if it is a couple of miles out of the way. Try and limit your use to daylight hours. When you drive up to an ATM location, scan the area for any suspicious persons. If you see anyone suspicious standing nearby or sitting alone in a car, don’t hesitate to drive away. Listen to your ‘gut’ instinct.

When you approach a bank ATM on foot be prepared and have your access card ready. After inserting your card and your PIN number keep aware who is nearby. If anyone suspicious or seemingly dangerous approaches terminate your transaction and leave immediately, even if it means leaving your ATM card in the machine. When you receive cash from the machine don’t openly count it…put it away immediately, extract your card, and walk away.

If you use your vehicle at a bank drive-thru ATM machine the same rules apply. Make sure there are no obvious hiding places or suspicious persons loitering in the area. If there are, listen to your gut instinct and drive away. Keep the car in gear, doors locked, with your foot firmly on the brake, while using the ATM machine. Keep a close eye on your rear and side-view mirrors during the transaction.

Robbers almost always approach from the rear on the drivers’ side. If you see anyone approaching, drive off even if it means leaving your ATM card behind. You can always retrieve it later or cancel the card. If you are confronted by an armed robber, just give up your money without argument. The cash is not worth serious injury or death.

ATM Machine Security Plan

  • Only use ATM machines in a well-lighted, open, high-traffic area during the daytime
  • ATM machines in supermarkets are safer for nighttime use
  • Avoid ATM machines adjacent to obvious hiding places
  • When you approach an ATM scan the area first for loiterers
  • Have your card ready and leave quickly, not counting your cash in public
  • Walk or drive away immediately if your instincts tell you so
  • Don’t argue with a robber, if confronted, and give up the cash
  • Don’t fight with or attempt to follow the robber
  • Drive to a safe place and immediately call the police

Learn More about Premises Liability Litigation

Download 113-page eBook written by Security Expert Chris E. McGoey

  • Security Expert’s Guide to Premises Liability Litigation
  • Evaluating Crime Foreseeability and Inadequate Security Cases
  • Biography of Chris E. McGoey
  • Testimonials from a few clients
  • Speaking Engagements
  • Media Interviews
  • Premises Liability Litigation Book
  • Retain Chris as a Security Expert Witness
  • Chris McGoey Blog Article Index
  • Crime School Podcast Episode Index

Contact Security Expert Chris E. McGoey

Email      213-537-3505      Twitter

Tagged With: atm machine, robbery prevention, security plan

Please share on social media

  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • twitter
  • pinterest
  • stumbleupon

About Chris McGoey

My biography spans 53 years of studying, evaluating, and developing security plans worldwide. I'm a habitual skeptic, a chronic people watcher, a golf fanatic, and a relentless traveler.
Email | Twitter

Related Posts You May Like

  • Workplace Violence Robbery Homicide at Wendy’s Fast Food Restaurant
  • Apartment Security Safe Housing – Should Landlords Provide Security?
  • Criminals Want Housing in Your Apartment Community
  • Apartment Security Technology Based Security Plan Promotes Safety
  • Home Invasion Survival Improves with a Family Security Plan
  • Apartment Crime Motivation Point of View Through Criminal Eyes

Premises Liability eBook

Premises Liability Book

Podcast Reviews

  • Great information and insight
    June 13, 2018 by djpoland from United States

    I have been listening to this podcast now for several months. It is one of the best sources of information concerning crime, security, and ways of making your home and business safe. Keep up the good work. Thank you for all you do to help so many people. DJ in Scottsburg, IN

  • Interesting, provocative, relevant and riveting
    July 29, 2017 by Lindapre from United States

    This is a very valuable service and I appreciate this high level of expertise to keep me knowledgeable, safe and sound. Everyone should subscribe and stay well-informed. Thanks Chris!

  • 10 reasons why burglars might choose your home
    July 28, 2017 by binwoodside from United States

    I am not one of those people who believes there is a bad guy behind every bush but Chris offers good advice that can be very useful to all of us. His tips can prevent us experiencing a home robbery due to our own carelessness. It amazes me that people use social media to advertise their absence from their homes. There are plenty of other points of carelessness Chris describes that also advertises to burglars. His voice is easy to understand and listen.

  • Educational eye-opening strategies for crime prevention
    October 22, 2015 by taylor826 from United States

    He pretty much covers the gamut of high-risk scenario from personal safety to commercial property security. He provides insights to how criminals could perceive potential victims as vulnerable. I don't own commercial property or a business, but the security best practices he outlines which mitigate potential crimes in multiple industries, also increases my awareness to avoid such businesses/locations that don't implement those policies. You don't want to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

  • Excellent content
    July 1, 2015 by Ken Burgin from Australia

    Chris has been the ‘crime doctor’ for many businesses over the years - not much he hasn’t seen and fixed! Great to have his expertise coming to us directly through his podcast interviews. Highly recommended!

  • Crime School Radio is a Winner!
    June 18, 2015 by Liquor License Advisor from United States

    As a security expert, Chris McGoey was and continues to be a trailblazer. First, his informative website and book. Now this convenient, cutting-edge and educational podcast. Chris has an uncanny knack for knowing just what the world needs. With this show, he delivers vital information on safety and security in plain language that everyone can benefit from.

  • Helpful Content for Retail and LEO
    May 21, 2015 by StandardOfTruth from United States

    Chris is an industry expert with real world experience. It is also refreshing to hear a security podcast with crystal clear audio and presented in a professional way.

  • Fantastic! Informative and relevant.
    May 13, 2015 by isntrocketscience from United States

    I have seen Chris McGoey several times as a security expert on TV so I was curious to hear his Crime School podcast. As expected the podcast provides valuable information for keeping us safe and useful ideas for everyday life. I plan to listen to every episode. Keep 'em coming Chris.

  • Home Security Safe Room
    May 13, 2015 by TimInArizona from United States

    Outstanding! Very thorough. I would like to see police departments link to this audio as part of their crime prevention education of their citizens.

  • Great show about crime and loss prevention
    May 12, 2015 by CrimeRx from United States

    A great resource for new and veteran crime prevention practitioners. I have subscribed so I won't miss and episode.

Chris E. McGoey CPP, CSP, ICPS, CAM
McGoey Security Consulting
Jonesborough, Tennessee
951-461-8950
Chris@CrimeDoctor.com

Copyright © 2023 - Aegis Books, Inc and Chris E. McGoey - All Rights Reserved -

Terms of Use  |  Disclaimer  |  Privacy Policy