Greater Manchester Police collaboration with Cardtronics heralds new era in ATM crime crackdown

Greater Manchester Police has arrested more than twice as many people for ATM crime in 2019 compared to the same time last year, new figures show.

The UK's largest ATM operator, Cardtronics, identified Greater Manchester as a major hotspot for ATM crime, and joint operations involving Cardtronics and GMP have already brought considerable success, with 12 arrests in Greater Manchester this year compared to just six at this stage in 2018. 

Running under the campaign headline of ‘Raid it, Regret it’, Cardtronics’ ‘Secure ATM’ initiative is the largest single investment in ATM security in the UK.

It has seen the roll-out of new technology across the Cardtronics ATM estate including forensic DNA markers, dye staining and explosion suppression kits.

Between 2014 and 2018, ATM attacks more than doubled from 400 to nearly 900 nationwide. Since the start of 2019, however – as a consequence of the secure ATM initiative – the rate of attacks has halved.

ATM attacks are not victimless crimes, they have a widespread impact on communities.

Some attacks use explosives or industrial machinery that lead to collapsed buildings, destroyed homes and job losses.

In one out of three cases, the ATM isn’t replaced, reducing access to cash and impacting the local economy. 

Marc Terry, International Managing Director for Cardtronics, said: “The results speak for themselves. The ‘Secure ATM’ programme has been exceptionally effective in tracking down and catching anyone who attempts to attack Cardtronics’ machines. Our collaboration with Greater Manchester Police is helping maintain access to cash for local and rural communities, who rely on ATMs for basic banking services.

“Our work does not stop here – we are fighting for access to cash across the whole of the UK and will not rest until ATM crime is eradicated and ceases to be a threat to communities and their residents.

“Those considering an attack should think again, as they will be caught and convicted.”

DI Joseph Harrop from GMP’s Serious Crime Division said: “We have worked tirelessly across Greater Manchester, together with our wider SaferCash partners, in response to various types of ATM attacks. While the vast majority of people in Greater Manchester work hard for their rewards in life, a small minority think it acceptable to try and shortcut their way via acts of criminality. 

“We will continue to do everything in our power to catch and prosecute organised criminals whose offending blights our communities. 

“If you believe someone to be involved in criminality, contact police immediately. Your actions will help prevent innocent people becoming the victims of crime.”

Anyone with information should contact police by reporting it directly on GMP’s website via the LiveChat function or by calling 101. You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. Always dial 999 in an emergency.