Aussie ATM's not coping with gas attacks

Bandits are increasingly blowing up ATM's down under and manufacturers are yet to come up with effective solutions.

Following another incident of ATM blowup in New South Wales, Australian banks are now considering installation of gas detection systems and dye packs in ATM's. The blowup involved two machines located in North Sydney and is an addition to over 30 attacks in the past months.

The Australian Bankers' Association is looking at ink-staining technology to mark notes in an attempt to discourage attacks. Although police say perpetrators of the ATM attacks rarely succeed in acquiring cash, damage due to the blasts is undeniable.

ABA chief executive David Bell said, "Banks have been reviewing security at their ATM's. Many of the banks have already started deploying these new security systems across their ATM fleets." Bell added that banks had put up a US$35,000 reward for information leading to the arrests and convictions of the attackers and are working closely with NSW Police.

Police say the dye technology, used in 2006 by ANZ and Commonwealth banks to combat ram-raids, had the effect of reducing such incidents.

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald