In fast-paced modern life, people need quick access to their funds. The Automated Teller Machine, or ATM, is designed to provide this ready access. The ATM is a standalone facility that enables users to carry out a variety of banking transactions without physically entering a bank. Among the services provided likely include credit dispensing, credit balance inquiry, transfer of funds, and other such financial functions. Structurally, an ATM will consist of one or more kiosks with a terminal for the user to interface with the banking system, and one or more slots for inserting credit sticks or chips, dispensing physical credits, and facilitating the confirmation of the user’s identification.

ATMs typically provide some small measure of privacy for the user, to prevent others from easily observing the ATM user’s details and interaction with the terminal. They will also normally include some form of closed-circuit holorecorder or other form of security recording to enable police to review recorded footage in the event of a crime being committed at or in the immediate vicinity of the ATM. The unfortunate reality is that many petty criminals stake out ATMs, especially those that dispense physical credits, in the hope of ambushing unwary victims who have just withdrawn their money.