Armed ATM Robbery Victimizes Man In Sterling

STERLING, VA — One can be as cautious as one wants when withdrawing cash from ATM machines, if only make certain there's no threat of robbery. But even if one takes a few glances around the area before conducting a transaction, caution certainly is not a foolproof safeguard. That latest example of this happened last Friday at Bank of America, 4500 block of Regal Plaza, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office.

A man told police he was using an ATM machine at the aforementioned location when he was approached by an unknown man who flashed a gun and money. A second suspect was standing behind the armed man. They got the cash as well as the victim's wallet and fled in a light-colored vehicle, possibly a blue or silver four-door Hyundai or Honda.

Both men, described as Hispanic, had their shirts off and used them to conceal their faces. The man with the gun was described as being around 5-7 with a thin build. The other suspect was described as being around 5-7 with a stocky build.

Security expert Chris E. McGoey has tips and things to keep in mind about ATM robberies:

1. ATM robbers want the element of surprise

ATM robbers are usually male, under 25 years old. They look a little scruffy because they are likely intoxicated on alcohol or drugs. If you look around, the ATM robber is that suspicious-looking guy within 25 yards standing in the shadows or sitting in a car. ATM robbers usually work alone, but sometimes use a partner for a lookout or getaway driver.

2. Some ATM locations are better for robbers

ATM robbers prefer isolated machines with poor line-of-sight from the street or parking lot. They like to hide nearby behind some obstruction until the right moment.
Robbers also like the bank drive-thru-lane machine because they can sneak up on your open car window while you focus on punching in your ATM code number. They know you can’t run while buckled into your car seat.
ATM robbers have the advantage because they pick the best time, the location with the best hiding places and escape routes.

3. My ATM is your ATM

Once ATM robbers stake out your machine, they don’t have to do anything, but hang around nearby, watch, and wait. ATM robbers strike between 8:00pm – 4:00am, when ATM traffic is slowest.
Robbers don’t have a bank account or a bank ATM card, so when they need quick cash they’ll use yours. They hope you withdraw $300, but will settle for less. They may also demand your phone, wallet, purse, watch, or jewelry.
Occasionally, ATM robbers will steal your car too and may take you with them to another crime scene.

4. ATM robbers don’t like machines in supermarkets

ATM robbers can’t see the machine from the parking lot or know when someone approaches it. There are cashiers, video surveillance, and too many witnesses. Large stores may have security watching.
Robbers lose the element of surprise if they enter the store with their face covered or gun out. They don’t have a view of the parking lot from inside to know if the police are waiting outside.

5. ATM robbers prefer to rob a single ATM victim

ATM robbers prefer to rob a woman that arrives alone at an ATM machine. They prefer that you don’t pay attention to your surroundings or talk on your phone at the ATM.
Sometimes they pretend to use an adjacent ATM machine so you’ll think they’re okay. Attempting to rob two or more people increases their risk or likelihood of resistance.

6. ATM robbers expect victims to act a certain way

ATM robbers wait for you to approach the machine oblivious to your surroundings. They’ll wait for you to focus all your attention on the ATM machine, insert your ATM card, enter your PIN code, and request cash. They will suddenly and silently appear behind you armed with a weapon just as your cash dispenses.
They will threaten to hurt you if you don’t follow my commands and hand over your cash and other property without resistance.

7. ATM robbers least favorite customer

ATM user that arrives by car with one or more passengers. The driver stays inside with the motor running and headlights aimed at the ATM.
Before approaching the machine, the ATM user carefully scans the area looking for me and usually spots me. These people quickly leave the area without using the ATM.
The robbers greatest fear is that you called the police to report their presence.

8. ATM robbers will use excessive force if you resist

ATM robbers intend to rob you of your cash and other property. They come prepared with a gun or knife to persuade you. They are desperate for cash and will threaten you with a weapon at first contact.
Robbers don’t care if they hurt you. If you resist or try to fight they will use an excessive amount of force without hesitation.

9. Video surveillance cameras are not a big concern to ATM robbers

Despite what the news says about ATM Security Tips, most bank ATM machines have video surveillance cameras these days. A passive video camera will not physically prevent ATM robbers from attacking you. They desperately need money so they will risk of being recorded on video.
Robbers try to avoid the video camera view, and wear a hat, a mask, bandanna, sun glasses, or hoodie to disguise my image.

10. Good lighting doesn’t matter that much to ATM robbers

Despite what you’ve read on police websites, most bank ATM machines have good lighting these days. Good lighting doesn’t matter if you’re not watching out for robbers.
As long the ATM machine is not busy and robbers have some cover from the street, they will still approach from your blind-side and you’ll never see them coming.

Image via Pixabay