Recently I noticed the ATM in my grocery store had been removed. I was a bit baffled by the decision, and a bit annoyed.
The location was convenient. I could combine my shopping trip with banking. One stop, two chores accomplished.
What I did not think about at the time is the safety and security that an in-store ATM offered me. The next closest ATM is in a bank branch, a newer building in the far corner of a shopping center.
A few Sundays ago, around 6 p.m., I parked my car and entered the vestibule of the bank to use one of the two ATMs there. I looked around at my surroundings and realized there wasn’t a soul in sight, no foot traffic or even cars driving by.