News

Japanese bank girds itself against ATM theft

June 18, 2003

TOKYO -- Kyoto Hokuto Shinkin Bank has installed steel girders at its ATM kiosks in Kyoto Prefecture in response to a spate of robberies in which the machines were smashed open with backhoes.

According to a report in Yomiuri Shimbun, the bank, headquartered in Miyazu in the prefecture, is the only bank in the country to have taken the security measure.

In March, robbers used a backhoe to break into one of about 20 ATMs the bank operates in Maizuru, making off with about 10 million yen ($84,272 U.S.)

It costs about 800,000 yen ($6,741 U.S.) to secure one ATM with the bright red girders, according to Yomiuri Shimbun. The bank has introduced the girders at six locations.

(See related stories Japanese police enlist construction firms for help in preventing ATM thefts, Japan reviewing security in wake of ATM thefts, Japanese ATM thieves favor construction equipment for heists and Japanese construction company wants to help prevent ATM thefts)