Lock It Down: ATM Bolts, Keys and Cameras
The short version
- Most physical attacks try to force the ATM open or rip it out, often at night. Anchoring it to a concrete slab makes that much harder.
- Put the ATM where it is seen, well lit and hard to reach with a vehicle.
- A camera that views the ATM, but not the keypad, deters attacks and helps police afterwards.
- Standard locks often share one key across a whole model. Unique high-security keys, held by as few people as possible, close that gap.
What a physical attack looks like
In a ram raid, thieves use a vehicle to rip the ATM out of its position and take it away. UK industry guidance notes these attacks often happen at night, when police response may be slower.
Europol’s guidance on physical ATM attacks says stand-alone and outside ATMs are the most exposed. It also notes offenders prefer ATMs in commercial premises over ATMs in bank branches, where surveillance is usually stronger. That puts venues on the front line.
Not every attack is a vehicle. Some thieves go after the top hatch with a crowbar or a generic key. The fixes below cover both.
Bolt it to the slab
An ATM that is not anchored can be tipped, dragged or lifted. One industry guideline describes a basic method: at least four resin anchor bolts, each a minimum of 16mm in diameter and 150mm deep, set into a substantial concrete base through the safe. The same guideline says the right method depends on the site and its risk.
The concrete matters as much as the bolts. Bolts in a thin or weak slab can pull out. If your floor is tiles over timber, or you are not sure what is under it, tell us before the install. For higher-risk sites, UK guidance adds a restraining chain bolted to the anchoring system, and anti-ram bollards or high kerbs on the approach.
Dash anchors every ATM it installs to the floor.
Choose the spot carefully
Placement is free security. Industry site checklists look at the area’s crime history, lighting, visibility and where in the premises the ATM will sit.
- Inside and in view. Near the counter or staffed area, not tucked in a corner.
- Away from glass a car can reach. A shopfront window or door facing a car park is the easiest way in for a ram raid.
- Clear sightlines. No displays, plants or stock that hide the machine or the person using it.
Light it up
Good lighting puts people off and gives a camera a usable picture. UK guidance suggests 200 to 300 lux on the keypad and at least 50 lux at floor level up to 1 metre in front of the ATM, rising to 200 lux where the site is higher risk at night. If the ATM is near the entrance, leave a light on after close.
Add a camera
A visible camera is a strong deterrent, and footage helps police after an incident. UK guidance recommends a camera that views the ATM but does not view the keypad, so customers’ PINs are never recorded. Check that you know how to find and export footage, and how long your system keeps it.
Joined-up effort works. In New South Wales, Strike Force Piccadilly brought police, banks, shopping centres, cash-in-transit firms and the ATM industry together. Measures included a priority police response to ATM alarms, moving at-risk ATMs and specialist bollards. An independent evaluation found ram raids fell from 69 in the year before to 19 in the final year studied, a 72% drop.
Unique keys, and who holds them
Triton, the maker of the Argo ATMs Dash installs, says all manufacturers have default keys that work on all their ATMs. Trade press reports that like-model keys can be bought online for about US$10. A standard lock is not much of a barrier.
A high-security lock fixes this. Triton says its high-security locks have a unique key for each lock and are pick resistant to UL 437, a recognised lock standard. Dash fits high-security locks with unique keys to its ATMs.
Then look after the keys:
- Few holders. Only the people who need to open the ATM get a key.
- Keep a register. Note who holds each key and when it changed hands.
- Never leave keys in or near the ATM, in the till or in an unlocked drawer.
- Collect keys when staff leave. If a key is lost or not returned, call us about replacing the lock.
FAQ
Do I need bollards?
Most indoor venues do not. Bollards suit ATMs near a shopfront, an entrance a car can reach or a car park. We can assess your site.
What should I do if my ATM is attacked?
Call 000 if anyone is in danger. Do not touch the machine. Then call Dash on 1300 125 592 so we can secure it and work with police.
Dash ATM has built and managed ATM networks across Australia since 2012, led by founder Paul Wrigley, in the ATM industry since 2002. Keep cash local.
Sources: Prenzler, Strike Force Piccadilly: a public-private partnership to stop ATM ram raids · ATM Security Working Group, Physical ATM Security Guidelines (2019) · ATM Security Working Group, Best practice for physical ATM security (earlier edition) · Europol, Preventing physical ATM attacks · Triton, High-security locks · Triton Security Statement 2024 · ATM Marketplace, Protecting the ATM top hat