15/06/2011
By Scott Thompson
The Design Against ATM Crime exhibition is to run from 16 - 21 June at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. This will showcase the work of design students as well as artists and design research staff.
Design Against Crime Research Centre (DACRC) and NCR worked with the Dedicated Cheque and Plastic Crime Unit (DCPCU), Royal Bank of Scotland and LINK on a design brief for BA (Hons) Product Design students. The challenge set was to come up with new and cost-effective solutions to tackle ATM crime. The exhibition includes the concept of proximity-activated sound sensors to alert users if they aren’t covering their PIN or if someone is standing too close and laser-illuminated privacy zones, as well as low tech omni-directional mirrors and secrecy shutters.
RBS has agreed to work with NCR, Link, and the DCPCU to trial ATM art on the streets of Camden and Westminster to evaluate whether safety zones can reduce crime by raising ATM users' awareness. Previous trials in Manchester and Hammersmith suggest redefining the space that users take for granted does help reduce crimes such as shoulder surfing, remote surveillance, ATM fraud and pick pocketing.
Ben Birtwistle, manager ATM fraud control, Royal Bank of Scotland, says: "Our collaboration with DACRC and The Met has resulted in the development of a unique and innovative opportunity to tackle ATM crime, driving positive customer behaviours and heightened awareness. We feel we are in the early stages of what could prove to be a successful crime prevention partnership."
