News

Australian bank intros ink-staining tech at ATMs

December 11, 2006

MELBOURNE ,Australia -Australiaand New Zealand Banking Group Ltd. (ANZ) is installing ATMs with ink-staining technology that is expected to deter ram-raid attacks. ANZ has a network of more than 1,900 ATMs nationwide.

ANZ's head of ATMs, Tania Foster, said the new ink-staining technology will make attacks fruitless, since the money inside would be stained with chemical ink.

According to a news release, the introduction of an ink-staining system builds on existing ATM security measures - including the use of bollards, alarms, camera surveillance and additional structural support to withstand physical force - the bank is employing.

"ATM attacks are of great concern to us because they disrupt services for customers and cause significant damage to property," Foster said. "We believe that staining the cash, making it easy to identify as stolen, will be another strong deterrent and help to ensure our ATMs continue to operate safely and without disruption for the convenience of customers."

ANZ is using the Fluiditi ink-staining system designed byNCR Corp.Fluiditi has proven to be an effective deterrent in more than 3,000 ATMs around the world, including North America and Europe.

ANZ is the first Australian bank to use Fluiditi. For the last six months, ANZ has piloted the use of Fluiditi at some of its ATMs.

Foster said community awareness about the technology is expected play a role in deterring criminals from attacking ATMs.