Police Warn Residents Of ATM Theft

BAYSIDE, QUEENS — The NYPD’s 111th Precinct is warning residents against personal safety while using the ATM.

The precinct released a set of guidelines in a recent tweet, cautioning residents to call 9-1-1 if or when noticing suspicious activity at the ATM.

First and foremost, police say, residents should avoid ATM machines that have unlocked doors or that are directly out on the street. People should also be aware of suspicious persons who have stationed themselves near the entrance of the ATM.

Police encourage residents to use well-lit, well-populated ATM machines and to be aware of those standing behind them by using the mirrors positioned at the ATM. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

People should block a bystander’s view when completing a transaction, putting their money away and collecting their card and receipt before exiting the ATM.

Finally, police are reminding residents that their bank card is exclusively for their entry and to make sure that the door closes behind them after ATM use.

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