Cleveland Mulls Tough Measures To Curb Crash-And-Grab ATM Robberies

CLEVELAND -- New legislation introduced by the City Council here is intended to stem the tide of crash-and-grab ATM robberies. Cleveland city officials say the proposed law would bring about significant regulation for machines and locations in which they're placed.

Sponsored by Councilmen Anthony Brancatelli and Mike Polensek, the new regulations, introduced on Dec. 5, would require ATM owners and operators to register their equipment with the city and renew licenses annually. It also would regulate placement of machines.

For instance, an ATM would be required to be bolted to the floor or wall by a specified distance from the retail venue's entrance. Machines would also need to be outfitted with GPS tracking devices. Locations would be required to install CCTV cameras and exterior barricades, too.

There is no word yet from Cleveland officials whether the legislation is likely to pass. However, the proposals that seek to stop a specific crime set overlook other criminal methods employed by ATM burglars. These include the use of explosives, skimming devices inserted into the card slots and run-of-the-mill burglary.

A public hearing for the measure has not yet been scheduled.