Australian banking group ANZ is adding ink-staining technology to its cash machines in a bid to deter thieves. The bank is rolling out an anti-theft system from NCR subsidiary Fluiditi across cash machines in a number of locations. The system uses indelible ink to stain notes in the event of an attack, making the cash unusable.

The technology has already been deployed to a number of ATMs under a pilot program over the past six months.

Tania Foster, head of ATMs, ANZ, says the introduction of an ink-staining system is the next step in ATM security.

"Staining the cash, making it easy to identify as stolen, will be another strong deterrent and help to ensure our ATMs continue to operate safely and without disruption," says Foster.

ANZ says the introduction of the ink-staining system builds on existing security measures for its ATMs which include bollards, alarms, camera surveillance and additional structural support to withstand physical force.