Cash Machines have become an important part of everyday life for many people, and offer a great convenience to those with a full schedule. Unfortunately with this great convenience comes an equal element of risk. And just because these machines are available 24 hours does not mean that it is safe to use.

Most ATM robberies occur between the hours of 7pm and midnite when the machine only produces 9% of the daily transactions. Between the hours of 7pm to 4am the machines only handle 10% of the total daily transactions, but suffer 60% of crime

ATM robbers are normally males 25 years of age or younger that prefer to work alone. They usually position themselves about 50 feet away from the machine waiting for a victim to approach the machine and withdraw cash. About 50% of the robberies occur after the cash withdrawal. Many of the victims of these crimes are women who were alone when they were robbed. Most of the victims claim that they never saw the robber approach them, also 96% of the robbers claimed to have a gun or some sort of concealed weapon when confronting victims and demanding cash.

IIf possible try to use machines that are in well-lighted, and high-traffic areas. Avoid using machines in areas that look questionable such as locations that are behind buildings, walls, pillars, or anywhere that is away from public view. Most assailants prefer the element of surprise and no witnesses, with a quick escape routes.

Try to use a machine that looks and feels safer, even if it is a couple miles out of the way convenience should never take the place of safety. If possible try to limit your use to daytime hours, and if you must use a machine after hours then try to take someone with you. When you approach a location make a tour of the area and be aware of anything that looks suspicious and if you feel anything out of the ordinary then drive away from the area.

If you are at a machine and someone suspicious approaches you then terminate your transaction immediately, even if it means running away and leaving your card in the machine and never count your money until you are safely away from the area. If you are in a vehicle then keep your vehicle in gear with your foot firmly on the brake and if anyone approaches your vehicle drive away immediately,

 I understand that the economy is in disarray at the present time, and money is important, but there is nothing more important than your life. You can always replace money and your ATM card. Last year in the US there were over 1 million reports of ATM theft and 44% of those thefts resulted in death

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