Crime rate drops as Sao Paulo turns off ATMs

Crime rate drops as Sao Paulo turns off ATMs
Tags: Security
December 19, 2001

SAO PAULO - Electricity rationing and overnight shutdowns of ATMs have helped reduce incidents of kidnapping and robbery via ATMs by 46 percent in Sao Paulo during June, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Termed "lightning robberies," the thefts generally take place at night. Victims are kidnapped, then forced to withdraw account funds from ATMs.

In order to fight the problem, local authorities introduced overnight electricity rationing and banks shut down ATMs overnight, having initially reduced the maximum amount that could be withdrawn during overnight hours.

The Wall Street Journal reports said it was uncertain when electricity rationing would be lifted.