Multiple police agencies in many parts of northeast Ohio are reporting a huge increase in convenience store ATM thefts, and now some state lawmakers say they are taking action.
Representative Bill Patmon (D), District 10 said he is responding to newsnet5.com coverage of this growing problem by crafting a bill he'd like to present in Columbus this coming fall.
The measure would call for ATM machines to meet greater standards as to how they are secured to the floor in northeast Ohio convenience stores, and where machines would be placed in the stores.
"I believe the ATM machines should be installed along a concrete reinforced wall, and not against a wall of windows at the front of the stores," said Patmon.
Police report crooks often use stolen vehicles to crash through the front glass wall, and then take the entire ATM from the store.
State Senator Tom Patton, (R) District 24 agrees with the legislation and said he will likely craft a measure of his own.
"Right now people walk in they'll see if it's by a window by a door, so a big heavy truck can smash in and grab and take it and run," said Patton.
"We need these things bolted to the floor, we need them backed up to a concrete wall."
Joycelyn Henry's east side Cleveland convenience store was robbed by gunmen back in March, Henry was held at gunpoint a the crooks took the ATM.
Henry agrees regulations are needed for the companies that place the ATM's in the stores.
Henry said she was only paid $60 to $100 to have the ATM in her store, and just not worth the risk.
"I could lose my life, I think the people with the ATM machines, they should do something about that," said Henry.
"I don't want it back in here. ! would never want it back in here."
So far newsnet5.com has been unable to reach the ATM company which installed the machine in Henry's store for comment on the proposed legislation.
