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By CHAT News Today

RCMP gives tips for preventing ATM thefts

Sep 1, 2020 | 4:37 PM

Alberta RCMP is offering tips to businesses to improve their ATM security during break and enters.

September, October and November are the three months when the most ATM thefts take place in Alberta RCMP jurisdictions, Mounties say.

There were close to 40 ATM thefts and more than 40 ATM theft attempts last year. Six thefts and six attempts were in September alone.

Medicine Hat’s Cecil Hotel was the victim of an attempted ATM theft on Aug. 25.

RCMP say Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) can help prevent break and enters, and it can also help to reduce ATM thefts. Here are some tips to consider if you have an ATM in your business:

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• Keep the ATM in an area of away from the front of the store (to deter vehicle ramming), but in an area where staff can see all activity around it.
• Ensure ATM is fastened to make it more difficult to remove.
• Have appropriate signage around the ATM stating that it is being monitored by video surveillance.
• Ensure ATM has a GPS tracking device and familiarize yourself with the system.
• Install an alarm system on the ATM.
• Install bollards in front of business to prevent vehicle ramming.

For the month of September, Alberta RCMP will be using #SaferBusiness to provide more information about how to keep businesses and ATMs safe.

If you see something suspicious, report it to your local police service. If you see a crime in progress, call 911. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.