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Criminals select their victims and targets, focusing on the unaware or unprepared. They are drawn to environmental conditions that enhance the opportunity to successfully complete their crime. Your attitude and demeanor can have a tremendous effect on potential assailants.
Walk purposefully and with confidence. Give the appearance that you are totally aware of your surroundings. Be aware of your total environment and what is going on around you. Criminals tend to avoid people who have this type of demeanor. Think out what you would do in different crime or personal security situations. Follow your instincts. If you feel you are in danger, respond immediately.
Do not select an ATM at the corner of a building. Corners create a blind area in close proximity to the customer’s transaction. An ATM further from the corner reduces the element of surprise and increases effective reaction time by the user.
Use an ATM with maximum visibility from the surrounding area. This will create a perceived notion of detection by a criminal and increase the potential for witnesses. Don’t use an ATM which has shrubbery, landscaping, signs or decorative partitions or dividers which block view of the ATM from the street or sidewalk. Use an ATM which is well-lighted and do not use it if the lights appear not to be working properly.
Always watch for suspicious persons or activity around an ATM. Be aware of anyone sitting in a parked car whether in close proximity or at a distance from the location. If you notice anything strange, leave and come back another time, even if you have already started a transaction.
Prepare your paperwork before you get to the location. Do not become so involved with your transaction that you are not aware of the surrounding area. Do not wear expensive jewelry or take other valuables to the ATM and provide added incentive to an assailant. If you get cash, put it away immediately and do not stand at the ATM and count it.
If you are involved in a confrontation and the attacker is armed with a weapon, GIVE THEM YOUR MONEY. Do not resist, property may be recovered later or replaced. |
