Hook & Tow in the News

The costs of Hook & Tow breaches continue to rise. So much so, NuSource partnered with the Texas Bankers Association, FBI, and local authorities to strategize security plans to thwart these attacks.

This last month, these efforts resulted in Texas Governor Greg Abbott signing SB 516 into law. This legislation enhances the punishment for criminals perpetrating ATM smash and grab crimes, also known as hook & tow crimes. Specifically, SB 516 makes the intentional whole or partial impairment or interruption of access to an ATM a third-degree felony, sending would-be criminals the very clear signal that this type of crime will not be tolerated in Texas. The law goes into effect September 1, 2021.

For a look at how these crimes are committed, view the video here. Important to note, this unsuccessful attack was an attempt on a new Hyosung 8300I. This terminal was designed to be tow and hook proof.