Picture this: you urgently need cash after sunset. You drive to what looks like a convenient ATM, but something feels off. The poorly lit area makes your skin crawl. You remember news stories about ATM robberies. Suddenly, that quick cash withdrawal doesn’t seem worth the risk. This scenario plays out countless times across American cities every night.
ATM crimes in America reportedly increased significantly from 2019 to 2020. Most bank ATM robberies occur at night between 8 pm and midnight, when the machine only produces 10% of the daily transactions. Between 7 pm and 4 am, the ATMs handle only 11% of the total daily transactions but suffer 60% of the crime.
The darkness creates a perfect storm for criminal activity, leaving residents in certain cities particularly fearful.
Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore now holds the distinction of having the highest murder rate among large cities in America, surpassing Memphis, according to the latest FBI crime reports. Baltimore also leads in robbery rates among major cities, while maintaining high rates across most violent crime categories. In 2024, over 200 homicides were recorded.
The city’s ATM users face a double threat. Drug addiction, systemic corruption, and a history of strained police-community relations contribute to the city’s ongoing struggles. Many residents avoid using ATMs after dark entirely, choosing instead to visit banks during daytime hours or rely on credit cards. The combination of high violent crime rates and inadequate lighting in many neighborhoods creates an atmosphere where even routine banking becomes a calculated risk.
Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis has topped the charts as the city with the highest violent crime rate in the nation. Memphis recorded a high number of homicides in 2024, maintaining one of the highest per-capita violent crime rates in the nation. Aggravated assaults, armed robberies, and carjackings plague the city, straining law enforcement resources. Experts attribute Memphis’ crime surge to socioeconomic disparities, rampant gang violence, and a shortage of police officers.
The fear of ATM crime runs so deep in Memphis that many residents have developed elaborate strategies to avoid nighttime banking. They pool cash needs into single daytime trips or ask friends to accompany them if they must use an ATM after sunset. The city’s reputation for violence means even well-lit ATMs in seemingly safe areas can trigger anxiety among users.
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit, MI: With one of the highest violent crime rates in the nation, Detroit consistently ranks as the most dangerous city. The high rate of violent crimes per capita, including assaults and robberies, makes it a particularly risky place for residents and visitors and has ultimately resulted in urban decay and rapid population decline.
However, Detroit has experienced remarkable improvements in public safety, recording its fewest homicides since 1965 with only 203 criminal homicides in 2024. This represents a 19% decrease from the previous year and a 33% drop since 2022.
Despite recent improvements, decades of economic decline have left many areas poorly lit with limited police presence. Residents remain cautious about nighttime ATM use, particularly in neighborhoods still recovering from urban blight. The psychological impact of Detroit’s violent past creates lingering fear that persists even as crime statistics improve.
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis remains notorious for its high homicide rate, ranking among the deadliest cities per capita. Gun violence, economic hardship, and political instability contribute to the city’s ongoing challenges. Despite efforts to reform the police department and implement social programs, crime rates have remained stubbornly high.
The city’s residents often describe a heightened sense of vulnerability when approaching ATMs after dark. Many have witnessed or heard firsthand accounts of ATM robberies, creating a community-wide culture of caution. However, more recent reporting shows signs of hope: homicide rates in St. Louis have fallen approximately 22 percent in recent reporting periods – the lowest mid-year murder numbers in more than a decade.
Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland’s violent crime rate remains significantly above the national average. Economic challenges, including high unemployment and aging infrastructure, create a breeding ground for crime. In 2024, Cleveland saw a spike in aggravated assaults, robberies, and shootings.
The fear factor in Cleveland stems partly from the unpredictability of crime locations. ATM robberies have occurred in areas previously considered safe, making residents wary of any nighttime banking. Many Cleveland residents report changing their routes to avoid ATMs in poorly lit areas, even if it means driving significantly out of their way.
Birmingham, Alabama
Birmingham stands out for having one of the highest violent crime rates in the southern United States. With a population of just over 200,000, the city reported 151 homicides in 2024, setting a new record. Much of the violence is linked to gang activity, drug trafficking, and deeply entrenched poverty.
Birmingham’s size works against residents’ sense of security. In a smaller city where news travels fast, every ATM robbery becomes community knowledge quickly. This creates a heightened awareness of risk that makes even brief ATM visits feel dangerous. The concentration of crime in certain neighborhoods means some ATMs are essentially avoided completely after dark.
Little Rock, Arkansas
Despite its small size, Little Rock reports a violent crime rate comparable to much larger urban areas. Aggravated assaults, robberies, and gang violence are common, fueled by drug addiction and economic challenges. Little Rock has launched initiatives aimed at youth outreach, education, and economic development, but significant work remains to improve public safety and build trust between citizens and law enforcement.
The intimate nature of Little Rock’s community means ATM crime victims often know each other, creating a network effect of fear. When someone in your neighborhood or social circle becomes a victim, the psychological impact extends far beyond the immediate incident. This creates a culture where nighttime ATM use is actively discouraged among friends and family.
Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City, often overshadowed by its bigger neighbors, now ranks among the top cities for violent crime. Through early 2025, the city of Kansas City, Missouri, had 15 homicides. While this number seems relatively low, the concentration of crime in specific areas creates pockets of intense fear.
Kansas City residents often describe a geographic mental map of “no-go” zones for ATM use after dark. These areas shift based on recent crime patterns, creating an ever-changing landscape of perceived danger. The uncertainty about which areas are currently safe contributes to an overall reluctance to use ATMs during evening hours.
New Orleans, Louisiana
A huge part of New Orleans’ economy comes from tourism! That’s why local leaders have to deploy these extra patrols during major events such as Mardi Gras to keep their visitors safe. This tourism focus can leave resident-frequented areas with fewer security resources.
The city’s unique geography, with many narrow streets and limited lighting in historic areas, compounds ATM security concerns. Residents fear becoming targets not just for robbery but also for being mistaken for tourists carrying significant cash. The contrast between heavily patrolled tourist zones and residential areas creates an uneven security landscape that residents must navigate carefully.
Conclusion
This reflects deeper urban security challenges that extend far beyond simple crime statistics. Whenever possible, try to avoid using an ATM after dark. If you must, it’s best to park close to the ATM and to only use it if it is in a well-lit area. These cities share common threads: inadequate lighting, economic challenges, and stretched law enforcement resources that combine to create environments where routine banking becomes a source of anxiety.
What strikes me most is how these fears reshape daily life in fundamental ways. People change their spending habits, alter their routes, and modify their schedules all to avoid a simple financial transaction after sunset. The ripple effects touch everything from local business hours to community social patterns.
What would you do if your neighborhood’s ATM felt too dangerous to use after dark?