The theft of large sums of money, whether in banks or during monitored cash transport, remains a tempting target for criminal gangs. This issue spans the globe, even as some have seen a dramatic drop in such crimes, thanks to highly sophisticated yet simple-to-activate security solutions. Oberthur Cash Protection has emerged as an effective solution in this field, providing increasingly reliable systems and a holistic approach to security.
For the seasoned criminal, no target could be juicier than a bank vault stocked with hard cash or a vulnerable cash-in-transit (CIT) operation transporting thousands in very public spaces. Successful attacks may be lucrative for the gangs, but remain a real scourge for the banks. Of course, technological advancement and a heightened sense of security have led to fluctuations in the success rate of such intrusions, and generally, they are becoming more complicated.
Fluctuating data on bank robberies
In the United States, for example, The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reported a decline in bank robberies from 2,440 incidents in 2019 to 1,740 in 2022, indicating a significant decrease during this period. In the United Kingdom, the number of attacks on CIT couriers reached a record low in 2013, with 270 attacks, representing a 75% decrease from the peak of 1,060 attacks in 2009. Europe has experienced various CIT attacks, including a significant heist in Lyon, France, where armed robbers stole €9 million in 2020. In recent years, Germany has experienced a steady rise in attacks on ATMs, culminating in 2020 with a record 704 physical incidents—marking a 28.2% increase from the previous year. Of these, 414 involved explosive methods, representing an 18.6% rise compared to 2019.
In reality, there has been a general decline in bank robberies and CIT heists over the past decade, with certain regions experiencing fluctuations due to various influencing factors. Continuous advancements in security measures and law enforcement strategies remain crucial in combating these crimes.
Cash, secure
Naturally, banks and businesses require the most up-to-date security solutions to minimise the threat posed by the criminal gangs and those who wish to get their hands on the golden egg. Explosive attacks targeting ATMs, cash deposits and CIT operations require efficient solutions designed to ensure the safety of the cash and peace-of-mind to the banks. Oberthur Cash Protection, the Dijon-based subsidiary of French security printer Oberthur Fiduciaire, is one firm that has been able to gain a foothold in the market thanks to its innovation, expertise and experience in the field.
The firm’s IBNS – Intelligent Banknote Neutralisation System has proven highly effective, both in France and abroad with the system equipping approximately 25,000 ATMs across 30 countries and 50,000 CIT cases in daily use. To act as a deterrent, the IBNS system stains the banknotes with degradation agents when an attempted attack on the system is detected, thus making them unusable. “Active systems are intelligent enough to detect physical attacks on the ATM, such as movement, and offer better protection than glue-based or passive systems where ink is only released after an explosion,” explains Ghislain Kwasny, the company’s international development manager.
Banknotes, inked
The system effectively renders the banknotes affected worthless, meaning criminals are much less likely to target a reward that does not justify the risk. Indeed, it is designed to address all types of attacks, including ram raids, rip-outs, torching, grinding, forced openings, gas and solid explosives, and duress situations. For CIT, the company offers specialized secure containers tailored to various needs such as multi-stop collections, deliveries, storage, transfers, and ATM replenishment. These solutions are adaptable for use with both large cash vans and smaller transport vehicles. Small businesses, which are often vulnerable to robberies and associated physical violence, can also benefit from secure containers specifically designed for small-denomination banknotes.
Indeed, the system has been so successful in Europe that it is now a legal requirement in France for both ATMs and CITs. Mandatory use of the system was also introduced in Belgium and Sweden in 2007, and data analysis leaves no doubt about its effectiveness as a deterrent. Oberthur linked up with British firm G4S to cover the Belgian market back in 2011, and “Belgium no longer suffers from cash van attacks since it mandated the use of smart cases for banknote transport,” according Patrice Rullier, Deputy CEO of Oberthur Cash Protection. In Italy, there was a 15% reduction in ATM attacks between 2017 and 2018 following the introduction of the IBNS system. Beyond enhancing safety, these tools streamline cash-handling operations, reducing labor demands and lowering operational costs. All of Oberthur Cash Protection’s technologies are integrated into a proprietary system, enabling seamless remote management and connectivity for optimal efficiency and control.
Trust, globally
The small-denomination cash protection sector is resilient, unaffected by crises or borders. Oberthur Cash Protection has long expanded beyond the European Union, reaching Eastern European markets such as Ukraine and venturing into South America (Paraguay) and Central Asia (Azerbaijan). The firm was able to showcase its solutions at the EXPOSEGURA trade show in Montevideo this October as attacks on ATMs in South America surge. Banks over there need only look at European successes if they are hesitant about what IBNS can offer…