Avoiding ATM Robberies

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 safely requires awareness and a little planning. Just because an ATM machine is open and available twenty four hours a day does not mean that it is safe to use it.

Most ATM robberies occur at night between the hours of 8PM to midnight. ATM robbers are usually males under the age of 25 years of age and most work alone. ATM robbers usually position themselves nearby waiting for a victim to approach and withdraw cash. Most ATM robbery victims are women and were alone when robbed.

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

• Carry a stun gun, pepper spray, pepper gun, or mace spray
• Use only ATM machines that are in a well lit area with high traffic areas. Don’t use ATM machines that are remote or hidden such as being located behind a building, behind pillars, walls or away from the public view.
• Choose an ATM machine that looks and feels safer, even if it is a couple of miles out of your way. Try and limit your use to daylight hours. Take someone with you after hours, if you can. When you drive up to an ATM location, scan the area for any suspicious persons. If you see anyone suspicious standing nearby or sitting in a car, drive away. When you approach an ATM on foot be prepared and have your access card ready. Memorize your personal PIN number to prevent loss and speed the transaction. Never accept help from a suspicious male ahead of you at the machine.
• If you use your car, at a drive thru ATM machine the same rules apply. Keep the car in gear, 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 driver’s side. If you see anyone approaching, drive off robber, just give up your money without argument.
• Avoid ATM machines adjacent to obvious hiding places
• Have your card ready and leave quickly, not counting your cash in public
• Beware of offers for help from strangers during an ATM transaction
• Don’t fight with or attempt to follow the robber
• Drive or walk to a safe place and immediately call the police
• If you are confronted by an armed robber, use your pepper spray, mace or pepper gun to defend yourself. The other option is to give the money to the robber and get out of there as quickly as possible.

Source: Lanes of Self Defense

Re-published by: Dave Heuthe, American Kobe Jiu Jitsu Federation Black Belt & Certified Instructor. Dave provides group personal defense classes where lessons are taught in various locations, privately, at Bob Malvagno’s School of Self Defense, and through in-house work programs (e.g. -Fire Department, employer, churches & synagogues, community centers, etc.) in the Nassau County and Sufflok County, Long Island (LI), NY area. Dave’s business is to provide programs that help his students (adults, seniors, teens & children) master self defense. BECOME A CLASS MEMBER TODAY!

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