Thieves will get a worthless haul if they break into, or damage the cash box of new wireless ATMs.
The new transportable automatic teller machine has an inbuilt self-defence mechanism was launched last week.
The Cash4all ATM is an 'Aussiefied' version of the NCR-designed, UK Travelex device, of which 15,000 are already operating; however, the Aussie version is made of fibreglass, not wood and is yet to be deployed here.
The machine uses GPRS wireless technology and is equipped with a security device that sprays indelible ink throughout the cash box if tampered with, rendering all money worthless. The staining system will help overcome ATM theft by criminal gangs as traceable DNA can also be added to the ink.
The wireless feature removes the need for a fixed line, enabling quick and easy installation, in many outdoor locations.
NCR Australia's business development manager Dean Talbot said the ATM can save operators 50 percent on the total cost of owning the machine just through using GPRS instead of ISDN, and turn a "hole in the wall" into a flexible and cost-saving machine. The ATMs are Web-enabled and capable of dispensing much more than cash, and could be used for additional services, officials said.