ATM ink stain technology gets first Aussie outing

Angus Kidman
Thursday, 22 March 2007 03:08

Your IT - Home IT

Robbers who staged a daring ram raid to steal an automatic teller machine got more than they bargained for when an anti-theft system activated, spraying the money inside the machine with indelible purple ink.

The incident is believed to be the first time that the Fluiditi anti-theft system, developed by NCR, has been activated during an Australian robbery.

Early on Wednesday morning Sydney time, thieves used a red Mitsubishi Pajero to ram the doors of a Bondi Junction shopping centre, and dislodged an ATM machine, which was driven away using another vehicle while the Pajero was abandoned.

The anti-theft system automatically sprays all notes within the machine with the ink in the event of a robbery. Police believe the thieves may have also stained themselves during attempts to remove the money.

The ownership of the stolen ATM was not identified by police. ANZ is known to be one of the banks utilising the system. Most banks resist disclosing information about their ATM security plans.

Any person with information concerning the robbery, or who encounters any stained notes, has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.