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Europol Calls for Action to Clamp Down on ATM Attacks

Associated Press

   THE HAGUE - The European Union's police agency is calling for concerted
   action across the continent to tackle attacks by criminal gangs
   targeting ATMs.
   Europol said Monday that physical attacks on cash-dispensing machines
   rose 27% last year, racking up economic damage of 36 million euros ($40
   million) in 21 countries that reported to the European Association for
   Secure Transactions.
   The Hague-based Europol is urging ATM operators to clamp down on the
   attacks and suggested less cash is left in the machines and making it
   traceable if stolen. It also wants security improved to make it tougher
   to break into ATMs, and increasing the risks for criminals by improving
   evidence sharing.
   Europol says measures ``should be adopted at the European level'' to
   prevent a crackdown in one country driving criminals to more vulnerable
   countries.

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