Protecting yourself and money at the ATM

A teenage girl in Dover was robbed at knife point Sunday night as she was withdrawing money from a drive-thru ATM. She escaped uninjured but the crime has sparked conversation about safety at the ATM.

Mary O’Connell, the chief operations officer for the Farmer’s Bank of Willards says anyone could be at risk of something like this. With that in mind, she says her bank has designed all ATM’s with safety as the priority.  For example there aren’t any plants near the machines.

O’Connell continues, “It’s for the purpose so that no one can be hiding behind shrubbery and they’re all very well- lit.”

They’re also not built on the corner of buildings to avoid creating a blind spot.

O’Connell goes on, “Our Pemberton ATM is set at a drive-thru down past that. You have the whole length of the building behind you.”

The others sit on the outside lane so they’re in an open area. However, O’Connell says no one should let their guard down. 

O’Connell says, “Keep their doors locked, keeps their engines running, and the only window that would be open would be the drivers.”

Police say don’t count cash at the machine or in public. Take it to a secure location.

Farmers customers we spoke with Monday say they always do that and have their own safety tips as well. 

Edward Tattersall says, “If I see anyone standing around I don’t go. I mean I’ll find some place else.”

Amy Corbin says, “Just try to go during the day and just pull up ,get your money and go about your business.”

Police also say if you’re involved in a confrontation and someone is demanding your money, give it to them.