Jane has always told me that I take a very simple look at life. In reality I guess that I do. I have certain truisms that I have developed over the years and so far I am still getting older (not old)! so there must be some truth. For instance I usually let the 800 pound gorilla sit where he wants to sit. I always sit facing the entrance with an exit nearby. I always have spare magazines. I do not play with rattlesnakes, even cute little pygmy rattlesnakes. Talk about moroons -- every year you read about some idiot getting bit by a cute little rattlesnake! I also believe that if it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck and acts like a duck, it probably is a duck. I also believe that ATM's are the modern version of the "water hole" in Africa. Do you know why lions hunt near the water holes? Very simple -- that is where the prey is located. That is the same basic reason that scumbags hang out near ATM's -- that is where the prey comes to them!
       Carefully select the ATM sites that you will use. If the site does not feel comfortable (duck theory) find another site. What I always look for is:
             a. Visibility -- is the ATM site visible from the street? Can you see not only the site but the immediate area around the site as you drive or walk up? Does the site offer close (within rushing distance) concealment to possible attackers? Is the site well lighted after the hours of darkness? For example, Jane and I did not personally care for the old 1st Union location at the now extinct Clearwater Mall. You walked into an enclosed room to use the ATM and had no visibility to either the North or south as you exited. The "blind corners" were very close to the entrance and put you in an indefensible position. Speaking of darkness, Jane and I do our level best to avoid ATM's after dark primarily due to my "cockroach theory of criminality" -- darkness (lack of visibility) is the ally of the scumbag!
             b. Facility -- is the location in a bad neighborhood or an area that you don't know? Does the particular site have any record that you know of in regard to robberies whether armed or strong arm? Does the parking lot and ATM facility itself offer escape routes if needed? Is the ATM so designed that there is only one way in and one way out? For example, be wary of location where the ATM ramp is so designed that either you use the ramp or jump a railing -- makes me feel trapped with no where to go in a hurry! I realize that the ramp design is to accommodate persons with physical limitations and I strongly support the ADA but tactically the design is terrible. As a matter of fact the most endangered is the person with a physical handicap.
             c. Suspicious Activity -- As you approach the ATM, do you see anything that makes you concerned? Is there gang sign (graffiti) in the area? Are there any juveniles loitering in the area? Are there any transient types in the area? Are there any persons just sitting in their cars with no apparent function? There have been several occasions when I would drive completely around the ATM location just to be sure that there were no lurking scumbags -- referred to as clearing the scene. When I worked for Federated Department Stores on Gandy Boulevard in Tampa, there was an armed robbery and aggravated battery of an ATM customer  immediately north of our parking lot on Gandy Boulevard. This happened approximately 8 PM in the fall so it was dark. This moroon (double moron) pulled into the lot and saw about eight mid-teen age juveniles loitering near the ATM. He exits his car, approaches the ATM and starts th! e transaction. The junior scumbags beat the crap out of him, stole his wallet and forced him to withdraw additional cash. Then they drove off in his car! Believe it or not the customer was surprised because "they seemed like nice kids." Jane had a similar incident but she was smart enough to avoid being a victim. She drives up to an ATM located at the main entrance of Clearwater Mall about 8AM. She sees a transient type trying to hide from her by using the large pillars as concealment -- this nimrod was actually playing hide and seek! She makes eye contact, waves at him and keeps on driving. A similar event occurred there involving two guys in a car circling her and watching her as she parks in front of the ATM. Once again she makes eye contact, drives off and avoids a possible situation. After that no more 8AM ATM visits!
             d. Exposure -- Limit your exposure. Complete all necessary paperwork before you arrive at the ATM. Keep your doors and windows locked as long as possible. Continually be alert for potential problems -- case the joint. Lock the doors to your car as you exit. Be prepared to complete your transaction as soon as you walk up to the ATM and know exactly what you need to do. Only take your ATM card and keys (gun if you have a CWP) to the ATM. Complete the transaction(s) as quickly as possible. Do not accept any offers from strangers to help you. Take all receipts with you. Return immediately to your car ready to unlock the driver's door. Take another look around. Enter the car, lock the doors, start the car and drive away. Only then should you consider counting your cash, etc. Of course it is always preferable to use ATM's during normal daylight business hours and, if feasible, have someone with you to watch y! our back. Of course, never record your PIN number on your ATM card and always protect your PIN by being alert to scumbags being able to observe your entries (this is called surfing). Jane has had two separate occasions where male subjects have been way too attentive as she enters her PIN. I was with her one time in Sam's and gave the scumbag my most friendly smile as I looked in his eyes. He rapidly lost interest and went to another checkout line! One other comment -- be aware of the "bump and run" attack. You leave the ATM and are followed by scumbags in a vehicle. They bump into your car and then rob you when you stop to check the damage. Remember to use your cell phone and stop where there are people and light. I am just not a big believer in coincidence! Finally if there is a suspicious event please notify the bank branch and police immediately. Your vigilance may save someone else from being a victim!

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."