Recently there has been an increase in the number of ATM robberies in Jakarta. The police had asked the banks to increase the security of the ATMs by employing more securing guards in shopping malls and convenience stores. The police had also recommended the installation of more closed circuit television ( CCTV ) around the compound of the ATM.  I think most banks will comply to enhance the security of their ATMs. However we must not just leave the issue of security to the police and the banks. I believe there are things that we can do to prevent ourselves from being a victim of robbery at the ATMs.  Let me just share some tips and steps which I personally use whenever I need to use a ATM machine to withdraw cash.

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1) No all ATM machines are safe. Remember just because a ATM machine is there doesn’t mean that it is safe to use.  ATM machines that are in remote area/quiet or hidden by walls, pillars, large trees or any obstruction are not safe to use. If you really need to use them, asked 2 of your adult friends or family members to accompany you.

2) Use ATM machines that are in crowded open area ( along a busy walkway or street ), well lighted and with heavy traffic. For example I would normally use ATM machines that are installed within the bank premises, beside a supermarket, inside a crowded shopping mall or ideally even beside a police station.

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3) If you are withdrawing a large sum of money from the ATM, get 2 adults to accompany you and use a ATM that is safe ( as mentioned above). Alternatively make multiple withdrawals within one or two days so that you don’t withdraw lots of money at one single time.

4) Do not use the ATM during late night as most robberies happened during the night. You may make a safe withdrawal from a ATM at a supermarket, but you may be robbed as you leave the supermarket to your car or along the pedestrian walkway.

5) Look out for suspicious people hanging around the ATM machine. Scan the area for people loitering within 5 metres of the ATM machine. If you see a person sitting in his car/bike, or someone just loitering around be more alert. If you do not feel safe at that time, move on. You can find alternative ATM machine to use.

6) keep a list of ATM machines in your work or home areas that are safe to use. This list will come in handy just in case you need to make an emergency withdrawal of funds.

7) If you see someone suddenly approaching you while you are in the middle of a transaction, terminate the transaction straight away. Asked the stranger sternly what is it that he wants from you? Remember to remove the bank card and put it safely in your pocket. If the stranger refused to moved off, raised your voice to attract attention or simply walked away from the ATM machine to a crowded area.

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8) most robberies occur after the ATM cash transaction has been completed. Once the cash had been withdrawn by the victim, the robber would moved in quickly to grap the cash. The robber would normally warned the victim that he has a concealed weapon in his pocket. Do not fight with the robber, just hand the cash over to him and remember his features. When you are safe, immediately asked for help from strangers and call the police.

The above are the steps that you can take to ensure safety when using the ATM machines. ATM machines are now part of our daily life and we used it without much thought. With a little planning and an awareness to safety, we can ensure that the cash that has been withdrawn from the ATM machines safely goes into our wallets.