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Lockpoint secures Greek deal to counter international criminality

North Tyneside-based security firm Lockpoint has secured an international contract to help counter rising cash machine criminality, the company’s first order outside of the UK.

As part of a new deal with an international security company, Lockpoint - which fights against dangerous attacks on UK cash machines - will supply its Gryphon3 product to the Greek market as part of a major trial.

The move comes in response to a rising threat to Greece’s ATMs from both armed gangs and criminals who blow up cash machines by injecting dangerous gases to blow off the doors so they can access the cash inside.

Lockpoint Chief Executive Bill Price said: “The ability of our Gryphon3 to provide the ultimate protection against both armed attack and gangs with explosives makes it the ideal product to counter the twin threats in Greece. The Gryphon will not prevent attacks but if the cash is protected, experience shows the threat quickly declines.”

The company’s original Gryphon was specifically developed to counter the threat from armed gangs to the cash teams who replenish ATMs. It comprises a set of sophisticated interlocking steel doors that protect the four ATM cash drawers. As no more than one door can be open at any time, it makes the ATM a much less attractive target for criminals.

Gryphon3 has evolved to counter the more recent threat from gangs using explosive gases. Explosive attacks have been causing growing concern in Greece and have also posed a significant threat in the UK in recent years.

Lockpoint, which is based on Cobalt Business Park, began development of the Gryphon3 when it became clear that the original Gryphon could also protect an ATM against explosive attack but needed some modifications to be certain.

The company teamed up with world-leading explosion research company, Gexcon, and proved the product’s resilience in both laboratory and, subsequently, in front of an invited industry audience, in the field.

Among witnesses at the live testing was DC Adrian Roberts, of the West Midlands Organised Crime Unit and UK representative to Interpol on ATM gas attacks. He said afterwards: “I am really impressed. The machine protected the cash, which is obviously what the criminals are after, and hopefully it will be a massive deterrent to them.”

Bill Price added: “We are especially pleased to notch up this export sale, having worked hard with our partners at UK Trade & Investment to improve our international communication message.”

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