Introduction
In today’s world, financial institutions and ATM machines face increasing threats from both intentional criminal activities and accidental damage. From ram-raid attacks using stolen vehicles to unfortunate driver errors, unprotected ATMs are prime targets for theft, vandalism, and structural damage.
To combat these risks, many businesses are turning to bollards—a simple yet highly effective security solution. These sturdy barriers act as the first line of defense, preventing unauthorized vehicle access while ensuring pedestrian safety.
Why Do ATMs and Banks Need Bornes?
Bornes are more than just physical barriers; they serve multiple protective functions, including:
- Preventing vehicle crashes
- Accidental crashes due to driver mistakes (e.g., hitting the accelerator instead of the brake)
- Reckless or intoxicated drivers losing control near financial institutions
- Ensuring pedestrian safety around high-traffic ATMs
- Deterring criminal activities
- Blocking ram-raiding attempts where criminals use vehicles to break into ATMs
- Stopping quick smash-and-grab thefts
- Enhancing overall physical security of financial institutions
- Reducing liability and financial loss
- Lowering insurance claims due to ATM damage or theft
- Protecting customers and employees from potential injury
- Enhancing public trust in the bank’s security measures
The Role of Bornes in Modern Security Strategies
With the rise in ATM-related crimes, installing bollards has become a standard security measure for banks, credit unions, and standalone ATM locations. Beyond crime prevention, they also contribute to urban safety by:
- Defining restricted access zones
- Creating safe pedestrian walkways
- Complementing other security measures like surveillance cameras and alarm systems
As financial institutions continue to prioritize safety, investing in bollards is a practical and cost-effective solution. In the following sections, we will explore the different types of bollards, their ideal placement strategies, and best practices for installation.
Understanding the Risks to ATMs & Banks
ATMs and financial institutions are prime targets for both criminal activities and accidental damage. Without proper security measures, these locations remain vulnerable to costly incidents that can disrupt operations and compromise public safety.
Common Threats to ATMs and Banks
Criminal Attacks on ATMs
One of the most pressing security risks is vehicle-assisted theft, where criminals use cars or trucks to physically breach an ATM machine. These attacks often involve:
- Ram-Raiding: Criminals use stolen vehicles to crash into a storefront or standalone ATM, allowing them to steal cash cassettes.
- Smash-and-Grab Robberies: Attackers rely on brute force, using tools like crowbars or sledgehammers to pry open ATM safes.
- Explosive Attacks: Some criminals resort to gas or solid explosives to blast open an ATM, causing significant structural damage.
These crimes are fast, destructive, and costly, leading to financial losses, insurance claims, and damaged infrastructure.
Accidental Vehicle Collisions
Not all ATM damage is intentional. Many incidents occur due to human error or unexpected driving mistakes, including:
- Pedal Misapplication: Drivers pressing the gas instead of the brake, leading to unintentional crashes.
- Distracted or Impaired Driving: Mobile phone use, drowsiness, or intoxication causing vehicles to veer off course.
- Parking Lot Mishaps: Sudden acceleration or misjudged turns resulting in damage to bank structures and ATMs.
Even low-speed impacts can cause thousands of dollars in repairs, making accident prevention a priority for financial institutions.
Pedestrian Safety Risks
ATMs in high-traffic areas pose a serious risk to customers and pedestrians, particularly when vehicles operate too close to footpaths. Without barriers, people are vulnerable to:
- Errant vehicles veering onto sidewalks
- High-speed chases or reckless driving incidents
- Accidental impact injuries near ATM queues
Proper placement of bollards helps define pedestrian zones, ensuring that both customers and bank staff remain protected.
Real-World Data on ATM Security Risks
- ATM attacks are rising globally. Reports indicate that ram-raid and smash-and-grab incidents have increased by over 30% in recent years.
- Accidental crashes cost businesses millions. In the U.S. alone, vehicle-building collisions result in over $200 million in damages annually.
- Bollards significantly reduce risks. Studies show that properly installed bollards can prevent up to 90% of accidental crashes and criminal vehicle intrusions.
With such alarming statistics, it’s clear that financial institutions must take proactive steps to protect their assets. In the next section, we’ll explore the different types of bollards best suited for ATM and bank security.
Types of Bornes for ATM and Bank Protection
Not all bollards are the same. Depending on the security needs of a financial institution, different types of bollards offer varying levels of protection, flexibility, and durability. Choosing the right type ensures maximum security while maintaining accessibility for authorized personnel.
Fixed Bornes
Fixed bollards are permanent security structures designed to withstand high-impact collisions. These are ideal for high-risk areas where ATM machines or bank entrances require maximum protection.
✅ Advantages:
- Made from steel, concrete, or stainless steel for superior strength.
- Resistant to ram-raiding and vehicle attacks.
- Requires minimal maintenance after installation.
🚧 Best Use Cases:
- Protecting standalone ATMs in open parking lots.
- Preventing vehicle intrusion at bank entrances.
- Securing pedestrian-heavy zones near financial institutions.
Removable Bornes
Removable bollards offer flexibility for areas where vehicle access is occasionally needed. These are often used in locations requiring temporary security measures.
✅ Advantages:
- Can be unlocked and removed for maintenance or emergency vehicle access.
- Provides a balance between security and convenience.
- Available in steel, aluminum, or polymer-coated materials.
🚧 Best Use Cases:
- Protecting ATMs while allowing cash replenishment trucks to access the area.
- Restricting vehicle entry during high-risk hours.
- Temporary security for bank events or remodeling projects.
Retractable Bornes
For financial institutions requiring dynamic security, retractable bollards provide controlled access while maintaining protection. These bollards can be manually or automatically lowered into the ground when vehicle access is needed.
✅ Advantages:
- Controlled via hydraulic, electric, or manual operation.
- Ideal for high-security bank perimeters.
- Prevents unauthorized vehicle access while allowing entry for armored cash vans.
🚧 Best Use Cases:
- Bank drive-through areas where access must be restricted after hours.
- VIP and emergency access routes in financial districts.
- High-security government banking facilities.
Crash-Rated Bornes
For ATMs and banks in high-threat zones, crash-rated bollards provide maximum protection against high-speed vehicle impacts. These bollards are tested under ASTM, PAS 68, and DOS standards to resist vehicular attacks.
✅ Advantages:
- Capable of stopping 15,000 lbs vehicles moving at 30-50 mph.
- Essential for anti-terrorism and high-security applications.
- Engineered for extreme durability.
🚧 Best Use Cases:
- Protecting bank headquarters and financial data centers.
- Government banking institutions with high-security protocols.
- Urban financial hubs with heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
Aesthetic & Decorative Bornes
While security is a priority, some financial institutions also focus on visual appeal. Decorative bollards provide protection while blending into the architectural style of the bank.
✅ Advantages:
- Enhances urban design while maintaining security.
- Available in custom materials and finishes.
- Can incorporate branding elements (e.g., bank logos).
🚧 Best Use Cases:
- Luxury and historic banking institutions requiring seamless design integration.
- Retail banking branches in commercial districts.
- Mixed-use financial buildings in city centers.
Choosing the Right Bornes for ATM Protection
When selecting bollards, financial institutions must consider:
✔ Level of security needed (high-risk vs. moderate-risk areas).
✔ Frequency of vehicle access (permanent vs. removable options).
✔ Compliance with crash ratings (for high-security zones).
✔ Aesthetic preferences (decorative vs. industrial bollards).
With the right bollards in place, ATMs and banks can ensure maximum protection against theft, vehicle intrusion, and accidental damage.
Installation Best Practices for Maximum Security
Proper installation of bollards is just as important as choosing the right type. Poorly installed bollards may fail under impact, leaving ATMs and financial institutions vulnerable. Following best practices ensures that bollards provide *maximum protection, durability, and compliance with security standards.
Strategic Placement of Bornes
For bollards to effectively protect ATM machines and banks, they must be placed strategically to prevent vehicle access without obstructing pedestrian movement.
✅ Key Placement Considerations:
- Spacing: Ensure that bollards are installed 3 to 5 feet apart to prevent small vehicles from slipping through.
- Proximity to ATM: Position bollards 2 to 3 feet in front of an ATM to block direct impact while allowing easy customer access.
- Pedestrian Safety: Install bollards near sidewalks and crosswalks to prevent vehicles from encroaching on foot traffic areas.
🚧 Ideal Placement Locations:
- Standalone ATMs in parking lots or gas stations.
- Bank entryways and glass storefronts.
- Financial institution sidewalks and drive-through lanes.
Compliance with Security Standards
To ensure optimal protection, bollards must meet official crash-test standards that determine their impact resistance.
📌 Industry Standards to Consider:
- ASTM F3016: Measures bollard resistance to low-speed vehicle crashes (10-30 mph).
- PAS 68: A European standard for high-impact vehicle security barriers.
- Department of State (DOS) K-Ratings: Used for bollards that protect against high-speed ram-raids.
💡 Tip: Always verify that the bollards used for ATM protection meet minimum crash-rating standards based on the risk level of the location.
Proper Foundation Depth for Durability
The foundation depth of a bollard plays a crucial role in its stability and impact resistance. Without a proper foundation, even the strongest bollards can fail under force.
🔨 Foundation Depth Recommendations:
- Fixed bollards: Require a minimum depth of 3-4 feet in reinforced concrete.
- Retractable bollards: Should have a solid underground casing for smooth operation.
- Crash-rated bollards: Must be installed with deep-mount foundations (up to 5 feet) to withstand high-speed vehicle impact.
🚧 Common Installation Mistakes to Avoid:
❌ Installing bollards in weak or unreinforced soil without proper anchoring.
❌ Using shallow foundations for high-impact protection zones.
❌ Failing to conduct soil testing before installation.
Integrating Bornes with Other Security Measures
While bollards offer physical protection, they work best when combined with additional security features.
🛡 Recommended Security Enhancements:
- Surveillance Cameras: Install CCTV to monitor ATM activity and deter criminal attempts.
- Alarm Systems: Use motion-triggered alarms to alert security teams of unauthorized access.
- Lighting Solutions: Bright LED lighting improves ATM visibility at night, reducing the risk of attacks.
🔗 Bornes should be part of a comprehensive security strategy that includes both physical and technological defenses.
Cost Considerations and Long-Term ROI
Investing in bollards may seem expensive upfront, but the long-term financial benefits far outweigh the costs.
💰 Cost Factors to Consider:
- Material type (concrete, steel, stainless steel).
- Installation complexity (fixed vs. retractable).
- Crash-rating certification (higher security = higher cost).
📉 How Bornes Save Money in the Long Run:
✔ Reduces ATM repair costs from accidental crashes and theft attempts.
✔ Lowers insurance premiums by decreasing liability risks.
✔ Prevents downtime and financial losses from stolen or damaged ATMs.
Final Thoughts on Installation
A well-planned installation ensures that bollards provide maximum security, durability, and compliance with industry standards. By placing them strategically, using the right materials, and integrating them with modern security measures, financial institutions can protect their ATMs and assets effectively.
Additional Benefits of Bornes for Financial Institutions
Beyond ATM protection and vehicle impact prevention, bollards offer a range of benefits for financial institutions. These benefits extend to legal protection, customer confidence, insurance savings, and architectural aesthetics, making bollards a smart long-term investment.
Legal Liability Reduction
Accidents involving vehicles crashing into ATMs or bank buildings can result in lawsuits and financial penalties. Properly installed bollards help financial institutions:
- Reduce legal risks by demonstrating proactive security measures.
- Minimize injury claims from customers and employees in high-traffic areas.
- Comply with local safety regulations for pedestrian and vehicle management.
💡 By installing crash-rated bollards, banks can protect themselves from costly lawsuits related to property damage and personal injuries.
Lower Insurance Premiums
Insurance companies assess risk based on security measures in place. Bornes help financial institutions qualify for lower insurance rates by:
- Reducing the likelihood of ATM theft or destruction.
- Preventing structural damage from vehicle crashes.
- Protecting customers from potential injuries in high-risk areas.
📉 Banks that invest in bollards may receive insurance discounts, saving thousands of dollars annually on premiums.
Enhancing Customer Safety & Confidence
Customers feel safer when they see visible security measures in place. Bornes contribute to a secure banking environment by:
- Preventing pedestrian-vehicle collisions near ATMs and entrances.
- Creating a controlled and organized space for bank visitors.
- Deterring criminals from targeting ATMs in vulnerable locations.
✔ A well-protected banking facility builds customer trust, leading to increased foot traffic and long-term client retention.
Aesthetic Integration & Urban Planning
Modern bollards can be both functional and visually appealing, helping financial institutions maintain a professional and welcoming appearance.
🎨 Aesthetic Options Include:
- Decorative bollards with custom finishes, colors, and branding elements.
- Illuminated bollards that improve visibility and enhance nighttime security.
- Architectural designs that complement the bank’s exterior while maintaining protection.
🏢 Banks in urban areas can integrate bollards into their landscaping and design, maintaining security without compromising visual appeal.
Long-Term Durability & Low Maintenance
Unlike temporary security barriers, bollards offer long-lasting protection with minimal upkeep.
🔧 Low-Maintenance Features Include:
- Weather-resistant materials (stainless steel, galvanized steel, concrete).
- Rust-proof coatings to prevent wear and tear.
- Impact-resistant designs that remain effective even after minor collisions.
✔ With proper installation, bollards provide decades of security with little to no maintenance costs.
Final Thoughts on the Benefits of Bornes
From reducing legal liability to enhancing customer trust, bollards offer financial institutions far more than just security. By integrating them into a comprehensive safety strategy, banks can protect their assets, improve public perception, and save on long-term operational costs.
FAQ
To help financial institutions make informed decisions, here are answers to some of the most common questions about bollards and their role in protecting ATMs and banks.
1. What is the best type of bollard for ATM protection?
The best bollard depends on the level of risk at the ATM location.
- High-crime areas: Crash-rated bollards offer the best protection against ram-raids.
- Moderate-risk locations: Fixed or retractable bollards work well to prevent accidental crashes while maintaining access control.
- Multi-use spaces: Removable bollards allow occasional vehicle access while keeping ATMs secure.
2. How much does it cost to install bollards?
The cost of bollard installation varies based on:
- Type of bollard (fixed, removable, retractable).
- Material used (steel, concrete, stainless steel).
- Installation complexity (deep foundation vs. surface-mounted).
- Crash rating certification (higher-rated bollards cost more).
💰 On average, installing a standard security bollard can cost anywhere between $500 to $3,000 per unit, depending on specifications.
3. Do removable bollards provide enough security for banks?
Removable bollards offer moderate security, making them ideal for areas requiring temporary access control. However, they are not as secure as fixed or crash-rated bollards.
🔒 For maximum security, high-risk ATMs should use a combination of fixed and removable bollards to balance access and protection.
4. What legal requirements exist for installing bollards in financial areas?
Most jurisdictions have building codes and safety regulations that dictate:
- Minimum spacing between bollards (to prevent vehicle passage).
- Compliance with crash ratings for high-security locations.
- ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance to ensure pedestrian accessibility.
🏛 Banks should consult with local authorities or security experts to ensure full compliance before installation.
5. How often should bollards be maintained?
Most bollards require minimal maintenance, but regular inspections are recommended to ensure long-term effectiveness.
🛠 Maintenance checklist:
✔ Inspect for structural damage after impact events.
✔ Check for rust or corrosion (especially in wet climates).
✔ Ensure retractable bollards are functioning properly.
✔ Repaint or refinish decorative bollards as needed.
🕒 Routine maintenance every 6–12 months can extend the lifespan of bollards and keep them in optimal condition.
Conclusion
The security of ATM machines and financial institutions is a growing concern, with rising threats from criminal attacks, accidental crashes, and pedestrian safety risks. Implementing bollards is a proven, cost-effective solution that offers multiple layers of protection while maintaining accessibility and aesthetics.
Principaux enseignements :
✔ Bornes prevent ram-raiding, smash-and-grab thefts, and accidental vehicle impacts.
✔ Different types of bollards (fixed, removable, retractable, crash-rated, and decorative) serve various security needs.
✔ Proper installation and strategic placement maximize effectiveness.
✔ Bornes help reduce legal liability, insurance costs, and property damage expenses.
✔ Routine maintenance ensures long-term durability and reliability.
Why Invest in Bornes?
For financial institutions, the decision to install bollards is about more than just security—it’s about:
- Protecting assets and customer trust.
- Reducing financial and legal risks.
- Creating a safer environment for employees and clients.
With the right bollard solutions, banks and ATM operators can ensure maximum protection while integrating security seamlessly into their infrastructure.
Final Mention: How Bollards Can Be Used to Protect ATM Machines and Financial Institutions?
Investing in bollards today means securing peace of mind for the future.
