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FACTFILE
Cash
Degradation Systems
- Cash
degradation systems use either smoke or dye to stain the cash
being protected
- The
smoke systems emit a bright red smoke and stain the cash with
the same colour. The stained notes may give off a smell like a
spent firework initially and will stain fingers when touched,
both effects will fade with time
- The
dye systems stain the cash with a red, bluish-purple or green
colour. The stained notes may give off a slight smell of paint
initially and will stain fingers when touched, the dye dries in
approximately twelve hours
- The
stain, whether from a smoke or dye system, cannot be removed from
the cash
- If
the smoke or dye comes into to contact with skin, clothing or
other material it is extremely difficult to remove
- There
are in excess of 38,900 cash degradation systems in use within
the UK.
- Approximately
15,400 systems are used for cash in transit/ATM protection and
23,500 for cash protection in financial institutions and retail
outlets.
These systems protect multi-£millions in the UK on a daily
basis
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| A
reconstruction of an activation of a smoke/dye anti robbery
system |
Summary of PAS 40:2002
Banknote theft deterrent
systems using dye or smoke-dye
Class 1 Systems
Applications:
- Cash-in-transit
in soft skinned vehicles
- ATMs
Main Features:
- Totally Indelible
staining
- 20% of each
note face - 100% of notes stained
- Reacts to
all foreseeable types of attack
- Resistant
to wear and tear
- Coverage
to allow detection by note sorters
Class 2a Systems
Applications:
Main Features:
- 100% of notes
stained
- Resistant
to normal CIT environment
- Automatic
operation in the event of attack
- Smoke density
test
- Resistant
to false alarms
Class 2b Systems
Applications:
- Cash-in-transit
- Dye-packs
Main Features:
- Resistant
to wear and tear
- Automatic
operation in the event of attack
- Smoke density
test
- Resistant
to false alarms
Database Management
LPS 1224 Requirements for secure
database management for asset marking
The essential requirements of LPS1224 (Requirements for secure database management
for asset marking) were developed as a result of needs identified by the Police, Insurers and Home Office and aim to ensure that Police and other
enquirers can confirm ownership of property 24 hours a day while ensuring full details of property ownership are held securely and in accordance
with the Data Protection Act.
Therefore, under the requirements of LPS1224, the database operator must:
(i) have an established track record in the field of asset registration of at least
one year.
(ii) operate the database in accordance with a documented set of procedures in
accordance with the requirements of ISO9000, BS7799: Part 2 those defined in LPS1224.
(iii) offer a telephone check line service manned by trained operatives. In accordance
with Government policy, the service shall be available 24 hour a day access and shall be free of direct charge to the enquirer, e.g. it shall not
chargeable to the enquirer as a premium rate telephone.
Although LPS1224 was developed to cover databases designed to provide positive
identification of property ownership, thus acting as a deterrent to theft and speeding up the return of property, there are numerous additional benefits
to the marking and registration of property both at source and by end users.
For example, following a fire, lists of equipment lost in the fire can be used by insurance
companies to ensure speedy replacement of lost equipment. This minimises delays and the resultant knock on effects due to loss of business. In fact, a
number of companies that have suffered fires have seen the benefits that result from speedy replacement of equipment lost in the fire, while insurers see
the benefit of reduced fraud on claims linked to properties where equipment has been marked using systems approved to LPS1225 and registered on databases
approved by LPCB to LPS1224.
This is just one of the benefits of asset marking and registration over and above reduced
theft of products and equipment.
For further information please contact:
LPCB, Garston, Watford
Hertfordshire WD25 9XX UK
Tel: +44(0)1923 664100
Fax: +44(0)1923 664994
Email: enquiries@brecertification.co.uk
Website: www.brecertification.co.uk
ATM Security Working Group
Stand-Alone ATM Security Guidelines
The scope of
the guidelines is limited to the security of the "stand-alone"
or "freestanding" type of Automated Teller Machine typically
situated in convenience stores, petrol stations, supermarkets etc.
It takes the form of crime reduction guidance aimed at reducing
the risks of crime on the premises where such ATM's are installed.
The
guidelines cover various aspects of security concerning the ATM,
its host premises and the general movement of cash within the premises.
The
security measures listed are recommended as crime reduction "good
practice" and existing premises security and the assessed risk
will determine which, how many and in what combination the security
measures may need to be additionally employed.
The
guidelines can also be used where premises already having an ATM
require security improvements following a loss incident. It is a
reference text for the use of the owners of premises into which
a “stand-alone” ATM is to be installed or is installed,
the ATM owners and ATM installers, and is intended to complement
the advice of the Police, Local Authorities, Insurers and Security
Advisers.
The
guidelines focus on the key issue where the ATM is removed from
the premises following a ram raid with the ATM being opened and
the contents removed at a location remote from the scene of the
crime.
This
type of incident invariably causes considerable damage to the premises
and, often, to its contents. The security guidelines are designed
to take this type of loss into account as well as other types of
crime identified with physical attacks on “stand-alone”
ATM's.
The
security guidelines distinguish, where necessary, between ATM's
filled with cash by the premises owner and ATM's filled with cash
by the ATM supplier, who uses a Cash In Transit provider to replenish
the ATM.
For
a free copy of the ATMSWG guidelines or further information contact:
Alan
Townsend,
Crime Prevention Co-ordinator,
Room 552,
New Scotland Yard,
Broadway,
London. SW1H 0BG.
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7230 3729
Mobile: +44 (0) 7973 818927
E-mail: info@banknotewatch.org
BSIA Stained Note Detection Working Group
Summary of Findings
The
Working Group:
Association
for Payment Clearing Services, Bank of England, Banknote Watch,
British Banking Association, London Underground, Manufacturers of
banknote validators, Police, Suppliers of cash-degradation equipment,
Suppliers of chemical dyes and inks and the Transport Section of
BSIA
The
Brief:
To
identify the specification of a chemical component to include in
liquid dyes that is - machine readable by banknote validators, uses
existing validating technology, free to share with other suppliers
and resistant to attempts to remove.
The
Chemicals Tested:
As
a result three components were identified and tested - an infra-red
absorbing dye, a fluorescent blue dye and a magnetic component
Banknote
Validator Manufacturers’ Findings:
The
findings of four manufacturers of validators are summarised as follows:
The magnetic component, being heavier migrated and did not give
consistent coverage and the IR absorbing component could be seen
by all machines, provided there was a 5mm x 25mm ‘blob’
within the areas shown.
Although,
the fluorescent blue component could be seen by some machines, (provided
there was a 5mm x 25mm ‘blob’ within the areas shown),
it was considered unsuitable as components in washing machine powders,
sometimes used to attempt to wash stained notes, give a similar
reading.
Chemical
Resistance Tests:
The
results of the permanence tests showed the chemicals tested to be
highly resistant to attempts to remove using a wide range of aggressive
chemicals.
Change
Machine Manufacturers:
Police
and BSIA would discuss how best to lobby change machine users to
pay for necessary software changes.
Up-Dating
Sorting Machine End-Users:
Major
users of banknote sorting machines will be advised when suppliers
of cash-degradation equipment incorporate the identified component
in their dyes in order that they might implement the necessary changes
to their machines.
More
Information:
Digby
Ram,
Chairman,
BSIA Cash & Property Marking Section,
c/o IBP International Ltd.,
Osprey House, 51a, Lion Lane, Haslemere, Surrey. GU27 1JF, UK.
Tel: +44 (0) 1428 641399
Fax: +44 (0) 1428 642235
Email: digbyr@ibp-group.com
Know Your Banknotes
In banknote design the aim is to produce, at reasonable cost and
in large numbers, something which is pleasing to look at, while
meeting its functional requirements. For bank notes, one of the
main requirements is security against counterfeiting. The security
of a note depends on a combination of Intricate design elements
and specialised printing techniques and materials which make it
difficult to copy. At the same time, the design has to be suitable
for mass production to an exceptionally high standard, and it has
to be such that a genuine note is obvious to a member of the public.
How
to check a bank note is genuine
Security against
counterfeiting does not stop at designing a note of such intricacy
that it makes the counterfeiter’s task more difficult. Much
depends on the public easily being able to spot whether a note is
genuine. Bank of England notes can be checked quickly using the
following security features:
The
feel of the paper. If the note is in reasonable condition
it should be crisp and slightly rough in the heavily printed areas.
It should not be limp, waxy or shiny.
The
watermark. It should hardly be apparent until the note
is held up to the light. Then a clearly defined portrait of HM The
Queen, with subtle gradations of light and shade is visible.
The
thread. All genuine notes have a thread embedded in the
paper. The “windowed” thread used in current notes appears
as a bold continuous line when the note is held up to the light,
and as a series of silver dashes under normal lighting conditions.
On the newly-designed £20 note, which features Sir Edward
Elgar, the windowed thread appears on the back of the note, and
on all other notes, the thread appears on the front of the note.
The
quality of printing. A bank of England note is made up
of fine lines that are sharp and well defined, not soft or fuzzy.
The colours are pure and clear.
These four items
can be checked on all current Bank of England banknotes. In addition,
the two highest denominations of notes – the £50 and
the £20 – have some additional security features.
The £50
note has a silver foil medallion and rose to the right of the Queen’s
portrait.
The £20
(featuring Sir Edward Elgar) carries a foil hologram on the front
of the note: this switches from an image of Britannia to the figure
20. There is also a red and green fluorescent number 20 clearly
visible under ultraviolet light below the hologram. In addition,
some micro lettering is included under the portrait of HM The Queen.
It appears as a single line to the naked eye but under a magnifying
glass the word and numeral twenty can be seen.
If in doubt,
comparing a suspect note to one that is known to be genuine can
often help to show the authenticity or otherwise of a note.
Although
a number of counterfeit notes in circulation is minuscule compared
to the number of genuine notes, it is worth remembering that a counterfeit
note is valueless. It is a criminal offence to try to pass
or keep a banknote that you either know or suspect to be counterfeit.
If you inadvertently receive a note that you believe to be counterfeit,
you should take it to the nearest police station as quickly as possible.
For
further information about banknotes visit the Bank of England website
at www.bankofengland.co.uk
The
above document is an extract form the Bank of England Fact Sheet
entitled ‘Bank Notes’.
The
Croydon pharmacy robberies - a proactive approach to crime reduction...
Background...
In the period January to June 2002 there were 14 robberies at pharmacies
in South London. The robberies were violent in nature with knives
used to threaten pharmacy staff. The target was cash. Off-licences
were also targeted by these groups and are a frequent target for
crime in South London, but pharmacies had never before been targeted
in such volume and in such an organised manner. The response from
the Police to this unexpected and frightening spate of robberies
was to suggest the introduction of a series of measures to target-harden
premises, using the latest security technology and training in good
practice procedures. This approach was part of a fledgling crime
reduction initiative called Raid-control.
So
how did Raid-control come about?
Eight of the 14 pharmacy robberies were in Croydon Borough. Croydon
Crime Prevention Officer (CPO) Kevin Hitch was drafted in to advise
pharmacists on how to protect their premises from more attacks.
Hitch determined that basic weaknesses in both security and procedures
were common features. He contacted the Metropolitan Police Service
Flying Squad Crime Prevention Co-ordinator Alan Townsend and Digby
Ram, director of IBP International Ltd and Chairman of the British
Security Industry Association’s Cash and Property Marking
Section. Townsend and Ram had been involved in the highly successful
national initiative Banknote Watch, aimed at reducing the circulation
of stolen banknotes. They had already discussed the possibility
of establishing an initiative for the retail environment, and the
Croydon pharmacy robberies presented the ideal opportunity to put
theory into practice.
Tackling
the problem
Townsend and Ram devised a series of measures designed to combat
the specific risks associated with retail crime – these measures
are now known as ‘Raid-control’. They include staff
training in raid awareness, time delay systems, cash minimised,
camera(s) in operation and stolen cash traceable (cash staining
systems in use). A number of the pharmacies affected by the spate
of robberies qualified for Communities Against Drugs funds, which
paid for the equipment and its installation (under £2,000
per premises). Throughout June 2002, 19 premises were fitted with
Raid-control equipment and implemented the staff training package.
Following completion each premises was visited by a CPO from Croydon
Police to assess if they merited Raid-control status. All 19 were
successful and were presented with Raid-control window stickers
to alert criminals to the security measures inside. The window stickers
play an important deterrent role. To date, since Raid-control was
introduced to the Croydon pharmacies there have been no more robberies.
So
what has been the reaction to Raid-control?
The pharmacist...
Beran Patel was in his pharmacy when the robbers attacked: ‘There
were four of them and they all had knives. A knife was thrust in
my face so of course I offered no resistance. As it was shortly
after Christmas we had a lot of money in the till and out in the
back room including pay packets; they took a substantial amount
of money. The Raid-control equipment has brought peace of mind to
me and to my staff and the training has addressed the type of complacency
about crime that arises when you haven't been targeted before. I
would certainly recommend Raid-control. Everyone should have it.
Even if the funding hadn’t been available I would have invested
in these measures because they really address the specific problems
retailers face.’
The secretary
of the Local Pharmaceutical Committee...
Andrew McCoig, secretary of the LPC and owner of two pharmacies
in Croydon fitted with Raid-control comments: 'One of my premises
was a victim of the spate of robberies. In addition, in my role
as secretary of the LPC, I was responsible for the concerns of all
the other pharmacists in the area. When I met Kevin Hitch I didn't
expect the dedicated approach he took to solving our problem and
the innovative solution he proposed. Raid-control is an exciting
approach to reducing crime; it worked for us and I can see it working
for pharmacies in other parts of the country and in other retail
premises.
The Crime Prevention
Officer...
Having managed the initiative in Croydon, Kevin Hitch - the CPO
tasked with assessing the pharmacies to Raid-control standards -
is in a unique position to evaluate the impact of the scheme: 'Raid-control
has had a significant impact in Croydon. The response from the pharmacists
has been very positive and a number of additional outlets have now
purchased Raid-control equipment independently because they are
so impressed with it. From a CPO's point of view this is an easy-to-use
retail crime reduction package - something we’ve not had at
our disposal before. It comprises a site survey questionnaire tailored
to the retail environment, an equipment toolkit and a retailer self-training
programme. So having recommended a premises for Raid-control, the
CPO simply has to visit once after installation and training is
complete I order to assess if it meets the required level of security
to be awarded Raid-control status. I hope that this is the launch
pad for a national Raid-control initiative because this is the sort
of proactive policing that benefits everyone concerned – except
the criminals of course!'
The Police Team
Manager...
DCI Mark Stafford is the Proactive Team Manager at Croydon Police
and is responsible for the work of the CPOs on the Raid-control
project: 'One of our key priorities in the Metropolitan Police Service
and in Croydon Borough is the reduction of robbery offences using
both proactive policing and a problem - solving approach. The intention
is to deliver long-term sustained reduction and prevention. Target-hardening,
coupled with reduced pay-off and increased chance of detection,
assists this strategy. Raid-control is good use of a CPO’s
time and the local storekeepers now feel supported. I would recommend
Raid-control to other Boroughs in the Metropolitan Police and beyond.'
Conclusions
In response to a violent spate of robberies at pharmacies in South
London a new initiative to combat retail crime has been successfully
piloted. Raid-control involves the implementation of a package of
measures tailored to the specific needs of small retailers. Those
involved in the initiative: the pharmacists, the Local Pharmaceutical
Committee, the Crime Prevention Officer and the Team Manager at
Croydon Police all recommend that Raid-control is extended to other
pharmacies and indeed to other small retailers.
For
further information see www.raid-control.org
Kay Wright
Press Officer
British Security Industry Association
Raid
control - retail robbery reduction initiative launched in Manchester
A proactive
robbery reduction initiative is being pioneered by Greater Manchester
Police. Raid-control consists of a package of security measures
aimed at reducing robbery and creating a safer retail environment.
Raid-control
is based on five key crime reduction principles: staff trained in
raid awareness; cash minimised; time-delay systems in use; camera(s)
in operation; and stolen cash traceable. Raid-control is aimed primarily
at deterring crime, but equipment can also generate evidence to
convict criminals if a robbery does occur.
A GMP
Crime Reduction Advisor will certify the premises to Raid-control
standards. Retailers can then display the Raid-control logo, which
gives the clear message that their store is not an easy target for
crime.
By
encouraging retailers to implement the Raid-control measures, GMP
aims to reduce the 1800 plus robberies at business premises that
took place in Greater Manchester from April 2001 to March 2002.
Greater
Manchester Police's Chief Constable Michael Todd launched Raid-control
today for a six-month trial, with a view to subsequent expansion
to robbery hot spots in other areas. Michael Todd said: 'Greater
Manchester Police is proud to be piloting this new and innovative
crime reduction initiative. We are committed to reducing retail
crime and would encourage retailers to help deter offenders by taking
on board this package of security measures to create a safer environment
for their employees and customers.'
Raid-control
is aimed particularly at independent retailers who have few security
measures in place, so both financial and time constraints have been
taken into account. Raid-control security measures cost under £2000
and the training package is quick and easy to use. Financial assistance
with the purchase of equipment may be available.
If
the Greater Manchester Police trial is successful, Raid-control
will be launched nationwide later this year. Raid-control is supported
by the British Retail Consortium, the British Security Industry
Association and other organisations in the security and retail sectors.
Retailers
interested in becoming Raid-control protected should contact GMP
on Tel: 0161 856 2255. For further information see www.raid-control.org
•The
Raid-control package was devised by experts in the Police and security
industry. Only approved security systems meet Raid-control standards.
ATM
Security Working Group
Street-Based ATM Security Guidelines
Introduction:
The
scope of this document is limited to the security of "street-based"
ATMs in public telephone kiosks and columns/pods typically situated
on public footways. It takes the form of crime reduction guidance
aimed at reducing the risks of crime against the ATM, user, replenisher
and service engineer.
It is recognised
that many of the recommendations in this document could be applied
to similar instillations in open, privately owned locations to which
the public have access.
The
security guidelines are not intended for "through-the-wall"
type ATMs, with the exception of the generic advice provided for
the ATM user.
The security
guidelines listed are recommended as crime reduction good practice
and the assessed risk will determine which, how many and in what
combination these security measures may need to be employed.
Unless otherwise
stated the advice contained in this document relates to both ATMs
in telephone kiosks and in columns/pods.
Telephone
Kiosks:
There are approximately
90,000 public telephone kiosks in the UK and with the advent of
the mobile telephone in recent years their use has significantly
reduced.
In order to
optimise the efficient use of these existing structures a number
of ATM deployers have developed an innovative business model to
utilise telephone kiosks as ATMs. Telephone kiosks offer a combination
of three features that make them ideally suited for conversion to
ATMs - publicly convenient locations, electricity and communications.
Columns/Pods:
These are stand-alone
structures of varying shapes and dimensions that house an ATM and
in some locations Web/Internet connection facilities. These structures
have typically been situated in car parks and other open locations
to which the public have access and more recently on public footways.
Risks:
It is acknowledged
that ATMs present common crime risks in relation to the ATM itself,
users, replenishers and service engineers.
However, it
is recognised that different types of ATM installations –
through-the-wall, stand-alone, telephone kiosk and column/pod -
present different risks specific to the type of installation. The
purpose of the security guidelines is to address both common and
specific risks associated with street-based ATMs and provide good
practice advice in the form of recommended security guidelines that
may reduce those risks.
For
a free copy of the ATMSWG "street-based" security guidelines
or further information contact:
Alan Townsend,
Crime Prevention Co-ordinator,
Room 579, New Scotland Yard,
Broadway, London. SW1H 0BG.
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7230 3729
Mobile: +44 (0) 7973 818927
E-mail: info@banknotewatch.co.uk
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