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Alarms at cash points switched off during raids

Alarm systems in Aeon cash machines were switched off during a series of burglaries last month, managers of the credit service admitted yesterday.

The raids, on free-standing machines at Tsz Wan Shan, Shamshuipo and Ngau Tau Kok, netted about $480,000, said Aeon general manager (finance and administration) Derek Lai Yuk-kwong.

Thieves hit the machines over a 36-hour period on January 27 and 28, ripping out the cashboxes without triggering alarms.

Aeon general manager (credit control) Gerald Fong Chung-leung said police were investigating how the alarms came to be turned off.

'We are not in a position to comment on why it was not on . . . we don't have the exact reason,' Mr Fong said.

'We have a policy to have the alarms operating.' Mr Lai said he did not suspect Aeon employees were involved.

'We don't want to guess anything. We don't know the truth at the moment,' he said.

Aeon had tightened security, closing 127 of its 197 cash machines between 10pm and 9am, and hiring a team of security guards to patrol the machines, Mr Lai said.

Only 70 Aeon cash dispensers - installed in 24-hour convenience stores - would remain open around the clock.

Fujitsu marketing manager Tomohisa Tsunakawa, whose company has supplied Aeon cash machines since 1993, said a new ink jet had been fitted which would permanently stain the clothes and skin of any would-be thieves.

'When the robber takes out the cartridge, the ink will automatically spray out,' Mr Tsunakawa said.

Tougher outer shells were also being supplied for the cash machines.

Aeon cash machines' alarm service was provided by CNT Alarm Systems and Gammon Security and Technology, Mr Lai said.

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