FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to the physical security of valuable documents, and it relates more specifically to a safe or ATM, with anti-theft security features, for storing and securing banknotes.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The Applicant has noted that ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines or cash dispensing machines) are high-value targets for robbers and thieves because of the quantity of usually high-value currency contained therein. Accordingly, ATMs have been constructed to be as secure as practicably possible, effectively being in the form of a safe enclosure with a user interface and a note conveying mechanism.

Thieves have adapted to the secure nature of ATMs by finding ways to breach the safe enclosure. Most ATMs are alarmed and have a communication arrangement to communicate with, e.g., a head office or security company when tampering is detected. However, thieves often anticipate the response time before security personnel can arrive to protect the ATM and its contents, and ensure that they have left by then. Accordingly, the Applicant is focusing on automated mechanisms for preventing or inhibiting these ATM attacks.

The Applicant has studied methodologies used by would-be thieves and has noted two main method of breach: i. use of explosives, and ii. mechanically damaging the safe enclosure. When explosives are used, the amount of explosive has to be selected carefully: too little, and the outer safe enclosure might remain intact, but too much and the banknotes inside could be damaged. Just enough should be used to breach the safe enclosure without destroying the banknotes. Mechanically breach tactics may include drilling, grinding, and cutting. The Applicant has noticed that it is becoming increasingly common for thieves to use a powerful angle grinder, circular saw, or cutting torch to damage a portion of the safe enclosure, e.g., hinges of a door. This grinding ensures that the ATM contents are intact.

Accordingly, the Applicant desires a safe apparatus which overcomes or at least ameliorates the above drawbacks by discouraging theft of banknotes. The Applicant desires a safe apparatus which does not rely on a human response (e.g., armed security guards) but rather automatically defeats and diminishes attempts of thieves to gain viable value in the form of usable banknotes.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Accordingly, the invention provides a safe apparatus which is configured to store physical banknotes, the banknotes being stacked inside at least one removable cassette and the safe apparatus having a safe enclosure which defines at least one channel matched to the cassette for removably accommodating the cassette and the banknotes therein, wherein the safe apparatus includes:

an electronic control module including at least one input and at least one output; at least one sensor which is connected to the input to the control module, the sensor being coupled to the safe enclosure and being configured i) to sense mechanical damage or physical breach of the safe enclosure and ii) to generate a tamper signal in response to detection of mechanical damage or physical breach of the safe enclosure;

a dye reservoir and a dye dispensing trigger coupled to the dye reservoir, the dye dispensing trigger connected to the output of the control module and responsive to the trigger signal, a conduit network connected between the dye reservoir and the cassette, the conduit network including at least one coupling mechanism to connect or disconnect the cassette from the dye reservoir,

wherein:

the control module is operable to generate the trigger signal in response to receipt of the tamper signal from the sensor, the trigger signal being communicated via the output to the dye dispensing trigger thereby to cause dye from the dye reservoir to be dispensed via the conduit network into the cassette and onto the banknotes contained therein.

The safe apparatus may be in the form of an ATM (Automatic Teller Machine) for dispensing the banknotes to authorised bank customers. As such, the safe apparatus may include many of the features traditionally associated with ATMs, e.g., display screen, input arrangement (e.g., keypad), a banknote conveyor system, a communication module, etc. In fact, this invention is further described with reference to ATMs but it will be appreciated that the invention may find application in other safe apparatus when money is stored in cassettes or ordered stacks, e.g., drop safes, cash- in-transit vehicles, etc.

The sensor may be a simple electrical circuit configured to change state from normally open (NO) to closed, or normally closed (NC) to open, in response to damage or breach (generally referred to as tampering). Thus, the tamper signal may be a change of state of a circuit.

The sensor may be a NC wire grid. The wire grid may comprise a long wire, or a series of wires, in a convoluted or serpentine layout to cover an area. Tampering with the enclosure may damage or interrupt part of the wire grid, causing the NC grid to present on open circuit and thereby generating a tamper signal.

The sensor may include a plurality of NO anti-tamper panels arranged in parallel. The panels may be spaced a very short distance apart from each other. Tampering with the enclosure may deform or displace the panels, causing two to make electrical contact with each other, thus closing the NO circuit and thereby generating a tamper signal.

The control module may include plural inputs. The safe apparatus may include plural sensors, each connected to a respective input. In one embodiment, the safe apparatus may include both the NC wire grid and the NO anti-tamper panels, to enhance detection of tampering.

The control module may include a plurality of outputs. One of the outputs may be connected to an alarm module. The trigger signal may be operable to activate the alarm module. The alarm module may be configured to raise a local alarm, e.g., siren, claxon, or flashing light. The alarm module may be configured to send an alarm communication to a remote recipient, e.g., to a control station via a telecommunications network.

One of the outputs of the control module may be connected to an ATM processing system. The trigger signal of the control module may be operable to deactivate at least part of an ATM control system, e.g., to prevent any banknotes from being dispensed.

The safe apparatus may include a plurality of channels which are operable to accommodate a plurality of banknote cassettes. ATMs may be configured to dispense banknotes of different denominations. Typically, a single denomination is packed into a single cassette. Accordingly, if the ATM is configured to dispense a combination of, say, four banknote denominations, the ATM would need four cassettes, one for each denomination. Accordingly, the safe apparatus may include a rack which defines a series of channels, each channel of the series operable to accommodate a cassette.

The conduit network may include a plurality of branches, one for each of the cassettes. The conduit network may include a plurality of coupling mechanisms, one for each branch. The safe enclosure may include an outer safe door. The outer safe door may be a conventional safe door normally associated with safe apparatus such as ATMs. However, in accordance with the invention, the safe apparatus may also include an inner safe door. The inner safe door may be arranged between the outer safe door and the cassettes. More specifically, the inner safe door may be arranged at a rear of the rack defining the channels, behind the cassettes (when loaded in the channels).

The coupling mechanism may be provided between the inner safe door and the, or each, cassette (further referred to simply as the cassettes). The dye reservoir may be provided within the safe enclosure, but outside the rack. Accordingly, the conduit network may be configured to conduct the dye through the inner safe door into the rack and into each of the cassettes. The coupling mechanism may include a male connector (e.g. , a spigot) and an aligned female connector (e.g. , a socket), or a bank of male connectors and a bank aligned of female connectors. One connector, or one bank of connectors, may be provided on the inner safe door. The other connector, or other bank of connectors, may be provided on the cassettes. Opening and closing of the inner safe door may cause the connectors automatically to decouple and couple with their aligned counterparts.

The dye reservoir may be in the form of a dye canister. In one embodiment, the dye dispensing trigger may be an explosive mechanism, e.g., a small explosive charge contained within the dye canister. Detonation of the explosive charge may cause the dye to be dispensed. In another embodiment, the dye canister may be a pressurised dye canister and the dye dispensing trigger may be a switch, e.g. , a solenoid valve. Actuating, e.g. , opening, of the valve may cause the dye, under pressure, to be dispensed.

The dye may be any suitable coloured liquid dye or ink composition, e.g., being indelible. Examples include methyl violet (https:/7en.wikjpedia.org/v^iki/Methy1 violet) and Disperse Red 9 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disperse Red 9). The conduit network may include a spray outlet provided within the cassette. The spray outlet may be in the form of a spray arm and may include a plurality of nozzles directed to a banknote storage cavity within the cassette. The cassette may include a secondary dye reservoir provided therein, the secondary dye reservoir being made of a frangible material.

The trigger signal generated by the control module may be a coded signal, even if the coding is very basic. This may inhibit unauthorised or inadvertent dispensing of the dye.

The safe apparatus may include an auxiliary power supply unit (PSU), e.g., a battery. The auxiliary PSU may ensure that the electronic control module can operate even after external supply of power has been interrupted.

The safe apparatus may be operable to combat breaches due to grinding, drilling, cutting, sawing, torch cutting, hammering, etc.

The invention extends to a cassette for a safe apparatus as described above, the cassette including:

at least part of the coupling mechanism of the conduit network configured to couple the cassette to the dye reservoir; and

a spray outlet provided within the cassette and in fluid flow communication with the part of the coupling mechanism, thereby to spray any banknotes accommodated within the cassette with dye in response to dispensing of the dye from the dye reservoir.

The invention extends to a method of reducing theft or reducing the effectiveness of theft in a safe apparatus which is configured to store physical banknotes, the banknotes being stacked inside at least one removable cassette and the safe apparatus having a safe enclosure which defines at least one channel matched to the cassette for removably accommodating the cassette and the banknotes therein, wherein the method includes:

sensing, by at least one sensor which is connected to an input of a control module having and which is coupled to the safe enclosure, mechanical damage or physical breach of the safe enclosure;

generating, by the sensor, a tamper signal in response to detection of mechanical damage or physical breach of the safe enclosure;

generating, by the control module, a trigger signal in response to receipt of the tamper signal from the sensor, the trigger signal being communicated via an output; and

triggering, by the control module, a dye reservoir and a dye dispensing trigger coupled to the dye reservoir, the dye dispensing trigger connected to the output of the control module and responsive to the trigger signal, thereby to cause dye from the dye reservoir to be dispensed via a conduit network into the cassette and onto the banknotes contained therein, wherein the conduit network is connected between the dye reservoir and the cassette, the conduit network including at least one coupling mechanism to connect or disconnect the cassette from the dye reservoir.

The method may be implemented by the safe apparatus as described above.

The method may include the prior step of arming the control module. Instead, the control module may be permanently armed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention will now be further described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a rear three-dimensional view of a safe apparatus, in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a rear view of the safe apparatus of FIG. 1 with an outer safe door opened;

FIG. 3 shows a rear view of the safe apparatus of FIG. 2 with an inner safe door opened;

FIG. 4 shows a rear three-dimensional view of the safe apparatus of FIG. 3 (with the outer safe door not illustrated);

FIG. 5 shows an enlarged view of a coupling mechanism of the safe apparatus of

FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 shows a three-dimensional view of a cassette for use in the safe apparatus if FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 7 shows a three-dimensional view of the cassette of FIG. 6 (with a lid not illustrated) in use;

FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of a control module of the safe apparatus if FIG. 1 ;

and

FIG. 9 shows a flow diagram of a method of reducing theft or reducing the effectiveness of theft in a safe apparatus, in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENT

The following description of the invention is provided as an enabling teaching of the invention. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognise that many changes can be made to the embodiment described, while still attaining the beneficial results of the present invention. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present invention can be attained by selecting some of the features of the present invention without utilising other features. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will recognise that modifications and adaptations to the present invention are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances, and are a part of the present invention. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present invention and not a limitation thereof.

FIG. 1 illustrates a safe apparatus 100 in accordance with the invention. Initially, the mechanical/hardware aspects of the safe apparatus 100 will be described; later, the electronic aspects of the safe apparatus 100 will be described. The safe apparatus 100 in this example is an ATM 100 and FIG. 1 illustrates a rear of the ATM 100. The ATM 100 may have an outward appearance that is innocuous, for example, resembling or being identical to prior art ATMs. Instead, if desired, warnings could be placed on the outside of the ATM 100, warning would-be thieves of the dye dispensing system therein, and discouraging theft attempts.

Many of the external features of the ATM 100 are shared with conventional ATMs. For instance, the ATM 100 comprises a strong safe enclosure 102 which is cuboid and defines a safe storage cavity therein. The safe enclosure comprises walls 106 and a rear, outer safe door 104. The walls 106 and the door 104 are typically made out of steel or a similarly strong material. The outer safe door 104 has a door handle 108 and a lock 1 10. The lock 1 10 may be a key lock, a combination lock, or a remotely accessible electronic lock. The specifics of the handle 108 and the lock 1 10 are not germane to this invention. The outer safe door 104 is pivotally mounted to one of the walls 106 by means of robust hinges 112.

The ATM 100 includes electronic banking components (generally referred to by reference numeral 1 14) usually associated with ATMs. The banking components 1 14 include a display screen, an input device (e.g., keypad or touchscreen), a communication arrangement to communicate transaction data with a remote bank server, and a banknote conveyance mechanism operable to convey and dispense banknotes from the safe storage cavity in response to approval of a cash withdrawal transaction. The safe enclosure 102 is legitimately accessible via only two routes: the outer safe door 104 and the note conveyance mechanism. FIG. 2 illustrates the ATM 100 with the outer safe door 104 open. Inside is an inner safe door 202 which is parallel with, and smaller than, the outer safe door 104 (when both are closed). The inner safe door 202 is mounted by means of inner hinges (not illustrated) to an inside of one of the walls 106 and stabilised by gas pistons 204 (or similar guiding/stabilising apparatus) mounted between the inner and outer safe doors 104, 202. (In other embodiments, the inner safe door 202 could be mounted directly to the outer safe door 104. This will be determined by the make, model or specification of the safe/ATM being outfitted.)

Although the inner safe door 202 may provide an extra barrier or an extra degree of physical protection, this is not its primary purpose. As will become apparent from FIGS 3-4, the inner safe door 202 provides a convenient and reliable coupling mechanism between banknote cassettes and a dye reservoir.

FIGS 3-4 illustrate the ATM 100 with the inner safe door 202 open (and, in FIG. 4, with the outer safe door 104 not illustrated) to reveal the innards of the ATM 100. This ATM 100 is the variety which uses removable cassettes 302. ATM cassettes are well known in the art and provide a modular and removable mechanism for stocking an ATM with a stack of banknotes, usually of a particular denomination. In this example, a rack 304 provides a framework which defines four channels, each channel for accommodating one of the cassettes 302. The cassettes 302 can be slid in and out of the channels, by means of a handle provided at the end of each cassette 302. Usually, each cassette 302 will be stacked with a single denomination of banknotes, different cassettes 302 optionally having different denominations therein.

Importantly, and in accordance with the invention, the ATM 100 has a dye reservoir 310. In this embodiment, the dye reservoir is in the form of a pair of dye canisters or tubes 310 which are mildly pressurised. A specially designed conduit network 312, 314, 316 is configured to conduct dye from the dye canisters 310 into the cassettes 302 (in response to a trigger signal - see further below). A membrane 318 is provided in-line with conduits 312, near an outlet of the dye canisters 310. A small explosive charge (not illustrated) is provided within each dye canister 310. The dye canisters 310 are of sufficient strength to remain intact upon detonation of the explosive charge. In this example, the explosive charge thus acts as the dye dispensing trigger.

The conduit network 312, 314, 316 has a coupling mechanism 314, 316. The coupling mechanism 314, 316 includes two complemental formations: a female connector 314 (e.g., a socket) and a male connector 316 (e.g., a spigot). More specifically, there are four pairs of complemental formations, one pair for each cassette 302. The male connector 316 is provided at the end of the cassette 302, adjacent the handle. The female connectors 314 are provided at vertically spaced apart locations on an inner surface of the inner safe door 202, each pair of male and female connectors 314, 316 being horizontally aligned. Each pair of male and female connectors 314, 316 are also arcuately co-axially aligned as illustrated by axis 500 (refer to FIG. 5) such that closing of the inner safe door 202 causes the pair of male and female connectors 314, 316 to couple. The coupling is preferably fluid-tight.

FIGS 6-7 illustrate the cassette 302 in more detail. The conduit network 312 terminates in a spray outlet 602 in the form of a purposely designed spray arm or tube 602 to integrate into the cash cassette 302 and based on available space inside the cassette 302. The spray arm 602 is in fluid flow communication with the male connector 316. The spray arm 602 is arranged in a lid of the cassette 302 so as not to interfere with movement of the banknotes 600 stacked inside the cassette 302. The spray arm 602 defines a series of nozzles or apertures 604 along it length, the nozzles 604 being directed inwardly towards a banknote storage space defined within the cassette 302, along all of the length of the storage space. Thus, any dye propelled along the conduit network 312, 314, 316 will be sprayed 700 from the nozzles 604 onto the banknotes 600. The banking components 1 14 of the ATM 100 are agnostic with regard to the dye dispensing components; in other words, the banknote conveyance mechanism of the ATM 100 will operable to accordance with prior art principles.

Optionally, the cassette 302 also includes a frangible container 606, for example, attached to a centre of the lid between branches of the spray arm 602. The frangible container is designed to fracture by a Shockwave caused by an explosive blast. Accordingly, even in the unlikely event of a blast disabling circuitry or the dye reservoir 310, the frangible container 606 would still fracture and dispense dye all of the banknotes 600.

The ATM 100 has a control module 330 (which may be separate from the prior art transaction modules present as part of the existing ATM components 1 14). The control module 330 in accordance with the invention is specifically designed to monitor for tampering or breach, by means of sensors, and then issue a trigger signal in response to detection of tampering. The control module 330 is housed within the safe enclosure 102 (refer to FIGS 3-4) so that it enjoys the same degree of protection as many of the other components of the invention. The control module 330 is, for example, mounted to an inside of one of the walls 106 adjacent the rack 304.

The control module may be one or more microprocessors, controllers, digital signal processors (DSPs), or any other suitable computing device, resource, hardware, software, or embedded logic. The control module 330 may include a computer processor and a computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer software operable to direct the operation of the computer processor. The control module 330 includes a plurality of inputs (collectively referred to by numeral 802) and a plurality of outputs (collectively referred to by numeral 804).

Referring particularly to FIG. 8, the control module 330 includes processor circuitry 806 at its heart. The circuitry is installed inside a robust housing 808 and connected to a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) 810 including a battery. A power input 802.1 is connected to the UPS 810 both to charge the battery and to power the control module 330 under normal operating conditions. The power input 802.1 may be an external mains input (e.g., from a power utility) and may be connected to the power input that supplies the whole ATM 100. However, if the external mains input is interrupted (e.g., because there is a power failure or because thieves have cut the power supply in contemplation of breaching the ATM 100), the control module 330 will continue to be powered via the UPS 810 and thus can continue to function. A key switch 802.2 is also attached to an input of the control module 330. The key switch 802.2 serves to disarm the control module 330 for controlled servicing of the ATM 100 and in the event of there being a fault with, for example, the locking 1 10 of the ATM 100. The control module 330 can be switched off for repairing or replacing of the ATM 100 components and/or locks 1 10.

The sensors 400 are connected via sensor inputs 802.3 to the control module 330. While many high-tech and sophisticated sensors are available, including proximity sensors, motion sensors, accelerometers, etc., and may be used in accordance with this invention, the Applicant envisages that two relatively simple sensors 400 would suffice. Drilling or grinding the steel safe enclosure 102 is a relatively low-tech option, and simple sensors may thus provide a cheap, convenient and reliable solution.

A first sensor, or array of sensors, is a NC wire grid 400.1 with a series of electrical conductions. The wire grid 400.1 may be positioned inside the walls 106, inside the outer safe door 104, and/or at the hinges 1 12. Because the wires are connected in series, severing or interrupting even one single wire switches the sensor from a closed circuit to and open circuit: this serves as a tamper signal.

A second sensor, or array of sensors, is an anti-tamper panel 400.2. This sensor 400.2 comprises at least two closely spaced apart metallic sheets separated by an insulating film. Normally, the sheets of the anti-tamper panel 400.2 are close but do not actually touch, and therefore present an open circuit. The anti-tamper panel 400.2 can be mounted on an inside of the walls 106, the outer safe door 106, etc. The anti-tamper panel 400.2 can be combined with, or positioned proximate, the wire grid 400.1 . Damaging the safe enclosure 102, e.g., by grinding or drilling, usually causes some degree of deformation of the safe enclosure 102 which is transmitted to the anti-tamper panel 400.2 and causes the sheets to make contact, forming a closed circuit which constitutes a tamper signal. The control module 330 also includes a plurality of outputs 804. A solenoid output 804.1 is provided to actuate any connected solenoid switches. Regulated 5 VDC and 12 VDC outputs 804.2 are provided to power any peripheral requiring such power levels, as well as an unregulated 12 VDC output 804.5. Relay outputs 804.3 are provided to activate other security features, including an alarm module and a cut-off to the ATM control system, to prevent the ATM 100 from dispensing any dye-stained notes.

In this example, the control module 330 has an electronic dye circuit 804.4 which is operable to produce a coded trigger signal in the form of a sequenced pulse output 808 to detonate the explosive charge within the dye canisters 310. The coding scheme may be simple and is not necessary intended to provide encryption but merely to prevent inadvertent or unauthorised dispensing of the dye.

The invention will be further described in use with reference to FIG. 9 which illustrates a method 900 of discouraging theft of banknotes, in accordance with the invention.

The method 900 may include retrofitting (at block 910) an existing ATM with the additional components of the safe apparatus 100. The sensors 400.1 , 400.2 can be installed where desired. These can be installed throughout an inner surface of the safe enclosure 102. Ideally, the sensors 400.1 , 400.2 are installed where any weak points may exist in the safe 100 because those are the points that a thief would be most likely to attempt to breach. For example, if the ATM 100 is going to be built into a concrete structure, with only the outer safe door 104 exposed, it might only be necessary to fit the sensors 400.1 , 400.2 to the outer safe door 104 and hinges 112. Fitting fewer sensors 400.1 , 400.2 and only where required might reduce installation costs and complexities.

The dye canisters 310 and conduits 12 are installed (at block 914). This involves mounting the dye canisters 310 securely on an inner floor of the ATM 100 or on an inner wall 106. Also, the inner safe door 202 is pivotally mounted (at block 915) between the rack 304 and the outer safe door 104. The conduits 312 of the conduit network 312, 314, 316 are connected between the dye reservoirs 310 and the inner safe door 202 terminating at the female connecters 314.

The control module 330 is fitted inside the safe enclosure 102 and the inputs 802 and outputs 804 are connected (at block 916). Specifically, the sensors 400.1 , 400.2 are connected to the inputs 802, as is the key switch 802.2 and the power supply 802.1. The electronic dye circuit 804.4 is connected to the dye dispensing trigger 318 and dye reservoir 310. The ATM 100 is then technically ready for use.

To enable use, the ATM 100 is stocked with currency in the form of banknotes 600 and locked (at block 920). First, the specifically modified cassettes 302 are stacked with banknotes 600 and inserted (at block 922) by sliding into position in their proper channel in the rack 304. The inner safe door 202 is then closed (at block 924). This causes the female connectors 314 on the inner side of the inner safe door 202 to couple with the male connectors 316 on the cassettes 302 to form a fluid-tight flow path from the dye canisters 310 to the interior of the cassettes 302 out of the spray arms 602. The outer safe door 104 is closed and locked (at block 926).

The control module 330, once installed, is always "on" or armed and does not require a special arming signal or on switch. The control module 330 is thus always armed and ^' continually performs (at block 930) its monitoring function. The control module 330 constantly monitors (at block 932) the sensors 400.1 , 400.2 for receipt of a tamper signal. If, as an example, a thief endeavours to breach the ATM 100 by grinding away (e.g., using a handheld angle grinder) a portion of the safe enclosure 102, at least one of the sensors 400.1 , 400.2 (and probably both) will change electrical state, at least briefly, with the NC wire grid 400.1 presenting an open circuit and/or the anti-tamper panel 400.2 presenting a closed circuit.

If the control module 330 receives (at block 934) the tamper signal, it will automatically and immediately generate (at block 936) a trigger signal. More specifically, the electronic dye circuit 804.4 generate the coded trigger signal 808 to ensure that the dye is dispensed (at block 940). The dye trigger circuit 804.4 activates the dye canister 302 but detonating the small explosive charges therein. This causes the dye to breach the membrane 318 be propelled rapidly and forcefully along the conduit network 312, 314, 316. The dye is sprayed 700 from the nozzles 604 of the spray arm 602 and permanently taints the banknotes 600. Now, even if the thief succeeds in breaching the safe enclosure 102, the banknotes 600 contained therein will be unusable.

Optionally, the control module 330 may trigger additional alarm measures using the other outputs 804, e.g., the relays 804.3. The additional alarm measures could include a loud alarm siren, an alert communication sent to the bank responsible for the ATM 100, and an ATM cut-off which prevents the ATM components 114 even from dispensing legitimate cash.

The Applicant believes that the invention as exemplified provides an effective and reliable mechanism for reducing the effectiveness of breaking into or breaching ATMs 100. Even if the thief is successful in penetrating the safe enclosure 102, all of the banknotes 600 will have been rendered unusable. This will render his efforts futile and may even assist with his apprehension, e.g., if he is found in possession with the marked banknotes 100. Over time, thieves may become aware of the futility of attacking ATMs 100 with this anti-theft technology and merely cease their futile attempts.

The control module 330 is readily configurable and can be adapted to other implementations of the ATM 100, e.g., dispensing of expandable foam.