Anti-theft device

Abstract

An anti-tamper container for storing, transporting, and optionally dispensing banknotes, (2), e.g. a cash-in-transit box (40) or an ATM cassette (Fig 4, 60), which is made up of a casing (Fig 1, 3) wi

Description

Technical Field of the Invention The invention is concerned with an anti-tamper container for storing, transporting and optionally dispensing a stack of banknotes, in particular an anti-tamper container in the form of an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cassette or a cash-in-transit box. In related aspects, the invention is concerned with an associated cash dispenser machine, preferably an ATM, an insert for an anti-tamper container and associated methods and uses. Background to the Invention Self-service cash dispenser systems such as ATMs are subject to robbery by physical tampering, for example by the use of explosives, by so-called Tam raids’, or by cutting devices and tools. In order to deter robbery and / or prevent the use of bank notes if stolen, countermeasure systems are known which stain or destroy banknotes. US 5,537,938 to Lopez discloses an anti-theft device for ATMs which comprises a tank of indelible dye or ink which, upon a breach of security of the ATM, causes the dye or ink to be released via a distribution manifold into the banknote cassette. US 10,332,359 to Lopez discloses a system for triggering bank equipment bill destruction in which pyrotechnic means are used to trigger bill destruction devices placed inside the cassettes of the bank equipment. Anti-theft systems also exist which aim to prevent the breach of a container by the introduction of an explosive. For example, US 9,995,079 to Fumanelli discloses a system comprising ignition means designed to ignite any explosive substance inserted into a container, before it reaches critical mass. However, the ignition means does not serve to mark or otherwise degrade the banknotes. It is an object of the invention to provide alternative or improved countermeasures. Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect, the invention provides an anti-tamper container for storing, transporting and optionally dispensing a stack of banknotes, the container comprising: a) a casing having a sealable lid or opening; b) at least one compartment within the casing for holding the stack of banknotes in a desired orientation; c) at least one conductive element capable of being arranged in contact with, or proximal to, the stack of banknotes; and d) means for providing a stimulus to the at least one conductive element, said means connected to, or connectable with, a trigger mechanism; wherein in use, triggering the means for providing a stimulus results in the at least one conductive element being heated, resulting in the stack of banknotes melting together, and / or at least one indentation being formed in the stack of banknotes. The term ‘banknote’ is not intended to be limiting and includes cash, bills, cheques, banker’s drafts and other currency or tender in the forms of sheets or notes. The terms ‘indentation’ refers to any type of cut, groove, notch, partial degradation or other such imperfection introduced onto a stack of banknotes, such as at an edge region of a stack of banknotes. The invention is applicable to containers for storing, transporting and optionally dispensing banknotes. Two common examples are ATM cassettes and cash-in-transit containers. A typical prior art cash-in-transit box is illustrated in Figure 1, showing a container (1) for storing and transporting a stack of banknotes (2). Container (1) comprises a casing (3) with an inner volume (4) for storing the stack of banknotes (2), inner volume (4) defined by opposing sides, (5a, 5c and 5b, 5d) with upper edges (6a, 6c and 6d, 6d) upstanding from base (7). Container (1) is connected to a lid (8), shown in an ‘open’ configuration in Figure 1, via hinges (9a, 9b, 9c). Lid (8) is provided with a sealing mechanism (10) to allow lid (8) to be locked in a ‘closed’ position (not shown) when lid (8) is arranged against upper edges (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) to cover inner volume (4). The ‘closed’ position prevents unwanted access to banknotes (2) stored within container (1) during transport. Container (1) may be provided with a handle (not shown) to assist a user during manual handling of container (1). Container (1) has compartments (11a, shown without stack of banknotes; 11b, shown with stack of banknotes (2)), each defined by opposing sides (12a, 12c and 12b, 12d; 13a (13b-d not shown) that enable storage of banknotes (2) in a desired orientation during storage and transport. A typical prior art ATM cassette is illustrated in Figure 2, showing a container (20) for storing, transporting and dispensing of a stack of banknotes (2). Container (20) comprises a casing (23) with an inner volume (24) for storing the stack of banknotes (2), inner volume (24) defined by opposing sides, (25a, 25c and 25b, 25d) with upper edges (26a, 26c and 26d, 26d) upstanding from base (27). Container (20) is connected to a lid (28), shown in an ‘open’ configuration in Figure 2, via hinges (29a, 29b, 29c). Lid (28) is provided with a sealing mechanism (30) to allow lid (28) to be locked in a ‘closed’ position (not shown) when lid (28) is arranged against upper edges (26a, 26b, 26c, 26d) to cover inner volume (24). The ‘closed’ position prevents unwanted access to banknotes (2) stored within container (20) during transport. Container (20) may be provided with a handle (not shown) to assist a user during manual handling of container (1). Container (20) has a compartment defined by inner sides (31a, 31b) and a moveable element (32) to retain the stack of banknotes (2) in a desired orientation during storage and transport. Furthermore, the moveable element (32) can provide a force to direct the stack of banknotes towards an opening (not shown), typically provided in base 27 in a region proximal to side (25c), which enables the dispensing of individual banknotes, for example when a monetary withdrawal is initiated by an individual at an ATM. Alternatively, the opening (not shown) is associated with lid (28). Moveable element (32) is raised above base (27) via bars (33a, 33b), ending in runners (34a, 34b) which rest respectively on side edges (35a, 35b). Power to enable moveable element (32) to direct stack of banknotes (2) to an opening for dispensing is provided by power source (36), connected via power cable (37) to the moveable element (32). In the prior art it is known to mark or deface banknotes held in a secure container by the use of indelible dyes and inks. In general, prior art systems which deface, degrade or destroy banknotes can be problematic if the technique for defacing, degrading or destroying the banknotes cause the serial numbers of the banknotes to be rendered illegible and hence, ineligible for currency replacement by organisations such as the Bank of England. This can be particularly problematic for techniques based on ignition and / or combustion, or techniques using pervasive glues. The anti-tamper container of the invention provides a countermeasure system which advantageously prevents use of the notes by robbers by partially degrading the notes, but does not fully degrade the notes such that the tender is not replaceable. In a preferred embodiment, the banknotes are rapidly and permanently marked or degraded, but the integrity of the serial number is preserved. The system is suitable for polymer banknotes. In the invention, an anti-tamper container is provided which comprises at least one conductive element. The use of conductive elements is well known in the electronic engineering industry, for example, but the invention uses at least one conductive element in a novel way to mark banknotes if the anti-tamper container is subjected to tampering or interference. The at least one conductive element is positioned within the casing in contact with, or proximal to, the stack of banknotes such that, when the at least one compartment is loaded with a stack of banknotes and the lid or opening in the casing is sealed, heating the at least one conductive element results in the stack of banknotes melting together, and / or at least one indentation being formed in the stack of banknotes. It is envisaged that a region of the stack of banknotes that is subjected to melting, and / or the forming of at least one indentation, is at a region which avoids the serial number of the banknotes, for example at an edge region of the stack of banknotes. While it is envisaged that the at least one conductive element would be positioned under a stack of banknotes, other arrangement(s) of the at least one conductive element could be provided e.g. above the stack of banknotes, to the side of a stack of banknotes, or any combination of arrangement that ensure the melting of, and / or indentations being formed in, a stack of banknotes. The invention comprises a means for providing a stimulus to the at least one conductive element, said means connected to, or connectable with, a trigger mechanism; wherein in use, triggering the means for providing a stimulus results in the at least one conductive element being heated, resulting in the stack of banknotes melting together, and / or at least one indentation formed in the stack of banknotes. The stimulus may be any stimulus that results in an increase in temperature of the conductive element as would be understood by the skilled person, for example the direct application of heating, the provision of an electric current which heats the conductive element due to resistance, or providing a laser pulse to the conductive element. Preferably, the stimulus is via heating, an electric current or a laser pulse. The at least one conductive element is configured to be heated, via the means for providing a stimulus, in response to a trigger mechanism. Any suitable trigger mechanism may be used i.e. a trigger mechanism activated by an environmental cue. One example of a suitable trigger mechanism is an electrical signal. The electrical signal may take the form of an electrical trigger pulse. The trigger mechanism is typically activated as a result of tampering or interference with the container being detected, which in turn is typically linked to a change in one or more parameters or physical properties associated with the integrity and / or motion of the anti-tamper container. Example techniques for detecting tampering include (but are not limited to) one or more of the following: detecting explosive gases (for example, from an attempt to open the container using explosives); detecting a change in temperature over time (for example, from an attempt to freeze the container with a cryogen); detecting a change in a light sensor (for example, from an attempt to force open the container); using a shock sensor or a tilt sensor such as an accelerometer; using an under- and / or over-voltage sensor (for example, to detect if the container is deprived of power or subjected to excessive power); and / or using a contact break sensor or a contact make sensor (for example, to detect opening of the container). Depending on the type of trigger mechanism used, the trigger mechanism may also provide the means for providing the stimulus e.g. if the triggering mechanism generates an electrical signal (e.g. an electrical trigger pulse) or heats as a consequence of tampering. The term “tampering” is not intended merely to cover attempts to damage and / or open the container, and includes the theft or removal of a case or cartridge. Tracking mechanisms can acquire information on theft or removal ahead of any actual tampering, and the triggering mechanism may be activated in response to such information. Preferably, the at least one conductive element is arranged co-axially relative to the stack of banknotes. This arrangement ensures that the relative amount of melting of, and / or forming of indentation(s) is reasonably consistent across individual banknotes contained within a stack of banknotes. Any arrangement of conductive element(s) that achieves the desired effect of melting, and / or forming at least one indentation in, a stack of banknotes could be applied to the invention e.g. wire, ribbon, coiled, tubular, strip or foil. Preferably, the at least one conductive element is a strip-, foil- or wire-like conductive element. This form of element provides a lightweight, easy-to-manipulate, cost-effective and abundantly-available conductive element. Preferably, the at least one conductive element is a plurality of wire-like conductive elements, arranged such that upon triggering the means for providing a stimulus, the plurality of wire-like conductive elements form a plurality of indentations in the stack of banknotes to provide an identifying imprint. This arrangement could be adapted so that different numbers or combinations of wires are activated in containers used by e.g. individual security companies or banks. This would allow any investigators examining banknotes from a tampered container to quickly identify from whom the money was based on the unique combination of indentation in the stack of banknotes. The conductive element is formed from any material that the skilled person would understand could transfer heat, or transfer electricity resulting in the generation of heat, at temperatures that could melt a stack of banknotes, and / or form at least one indentation in a stack of banknotes. For example, the conductive element may be any suitable metallic substance, such as iron, aluminium, copper, or combination thereof e.g. alloys such as: nichrome i.e. a combination of nickel and chromium, for example at a percentage of 80% nickel and 20% chromium; Kanthal® comprising iron, chromium and aluminium; or cupronickel comprising copper and nicklet, as well as other metals such as iron and manganese. The conductive element may be a ceramic or semiconductor element such as molybdenum disilicide or silicon carbide, a printable thick film heater, a polymer heating element such as a conducting Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) Rubber e.g. comprising silicon, or other composite heating elements. Preferably, the at least one conductive element comprises any metal from a group consisting of nickel, chromium, aluminium, tungsten and iron. These elements offer cost-effective, safe conductive materials that, particularly in the case of nickel and aluminium, do not suffer from thermal damage. Preferably, the at least one conductive element can provide a self-sustaining exothermal reaction and the stimulus is required for initial priming of the reaction. Thus, in one embodiment, the conductive element is capable of a self-sustaining exothermal reaction (also known as a Hume-Rothery intermetallic reaction) and the means for providing a stimulus comprises a circuit and power source (e.g. 9V battery) to initiate the exothermic reaction. Further preferably, the conductive element capable of a self-sustaining exothermic reaction is a multi-layered element NanoFoil® comprising nanolayers of aluminium and nickel. Alternatively, the stimulus is provided by an electric current and the at least one conductive element is heated via resistance. For example, a current is provided to a conducting wire for a period of time as required to heat up the conducting wire to a desired temperature to melt, and / or form at least one indentation in, a stack of banknotes. It may be envisaged that if a power source is required for the means for providing a stimulus, this could be provided by an already available power source. For example, an ATM (or trigger mechanism) may be provided with its own power source, or draw upon an existing mains supply, which could also be accessed by the means for providing a stimulus. Preferably, the means for providing a stimulus comprises a dedicated power source capable of being stored within, or associated with, the container. For example, the dedicated power source may be a 9V battery or 24V battery, which may be small enough to reside in, or be associated with, the container. The provision of a dedicated power source would ensure that the anti-theft device will still work, in particular if tampering result in damage to any wider power source associated with the container e.g. damage to an ATM. Preferably, the container further comprises an audio and / or visual indicator adapted to provide an alert that the means for providing a stimulus to the at least one conductive element has been triggered. The audio and / or visual indicator may be triggered by the same triggering mechanism which initiates the means for providing a stimulus. Alternatively, the audio and / or visual indicator may be triggered by detecting a physical property associate with the heating of the conductive element. Preferably, the container is an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cassette and the casing and compartment are adapted to dispense individual banknotes. A typical ATM cassette comprises one compartment for a stack of banknotes and hence, an ATM cassette in accordance with the invention typically comprises at least one conductive element arrange to heat a stack of banknotes either laterally or longitudinally. Preferably, the container further comprises a resilient means to provide for the at least one conductive element, prior to heating, contacting the stack of banknotes at a force that does not prohibit dispensing of the individual banknotes. This ensures that the function of an ATM is not hindered. For example, the resilient means is a spring, in particular a spring arranged to connect the at least one conductive element to the container, such that in the event of the banknotes urging against the at least one conductive element (e.g. if the at least one conductive element is placed above, and bearing down on, the stack of banknotes) there is a degree of movement in the conductive element to ensure the stack of banknotes are not held in place by the at least one conductive element, preventing dispensing of individual banknotes from an ATM. Alternatively, the container is a cash-in-transit box, such as a secure suitcase adapted for the manual carriage of banknotes. A cash-in-transit box may comprise a plurality of compartments and hence, a cash-in-transit box in accordance with the invention may comprise at least one conductive element arrange to heat a stack of banknotes, either laterally and / or longitudinally. According to a second aspect, the invention provides a cash dispenser machine comprising an anti-tamper container according to the first aspect, preferably an ATM. According to a third aspect, the invention provides an insert for an anti-tamper container for storing, transporting and optionally dispensing a stack of banknotes, the insert comprising: a) a frame locatable within the container, the frame comprising: i) at least one conductive element capable of being arranged in contact with, or proximal to, the stack of banknotes; and ii) means for providing a stimulus to the at least one conductive element, said means connected to, or connectable with, a trigger mechanism; wherein in use, triggering the means for providing a stimulus results in the at least one conductive element being heated, resulting in the stack of banknotes melting together, and / or at least one indentation being formed in the stack of banknotes. This provides a means for retro-fitting an existing container, in particular retrofitting an existing ATM cassette or a cash-in-transit box. Preferably, the insert further comprises a resilient means, or an element for engaging with a resilient means associated with the container, to provide for the at least one conductive element, prior to heating, contacting the stack of banknotes at a force that does not prohibit dispensing of individual banknotes. Thus, in the case of ATM cassettes in particular, this arrangement ensures that the function of an ATM is not hindered. For example, the resilient means is a spring, in particular a spring arranged to connect the at least one conductive element to the container or insert frame, such that in the event of the banknotes urging against the at least one conductive element (e.g. if the at least one conductive element is placed above, and bearing down on, the stack of banknotes) there is a degree of movement in the conductive element to ensure the stack of banknotes are not held in place by the at least one conductive element, preventing dispensing of individual banknotes from an ATM. According to a fourth aspect, the invention provides a method of safeguarding a stack of banknotes, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing the anti-tamper container according to the first aspect, the cash dispenser machine according to the second aspect, or the anti-tamper container comprising the insert according to the third aspect; and b) arranging the stack of banknotes relative to the at least one conductive element such that triggering the means for providing a stimulus results in the at least one conductive element being heated, resulting in the stack of banknotes melting together, and / or at least one indentation being formed in the stack of banknotes. According to a fifth aspect, the invention provides the use of at least one conductive element capable of being heated, resulting in a stack of banknotes melting together, and / or at least one indentation being formed in the stack of banknotes. Preferably, the at least one conductive element is a plurality of wire-like conductive elements capable of being heated to form a plurality of indentations in the stack of banknotes to provide an identifying imprint. Preferably, the at least one conductive element can provide a self-sustaining exothermal reaction. Further preferably, the at least one conductive element is NanoFoil®. Alternatively, the at least one conductive element is heated by an electric current due to resistance. Preferably, the at least one conductive element is nichrome. According to a sixth aspect, the invention provides an anti-tamper container, cash dispenser machine, insert, method or use substantially as described herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Any feature in one aspect of the invention may be applied to any other aspects of the invention, in any appropriate combination. In particular device aspects may be applied to use aspects and vice versa. The invention extends to a system or method substantially as herein described, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention also extends to a precursor anti-tamper container for storing, transporting and optionally dispensing banknotes, the container comprising: a) a casing having a sealable lid or opening; b) at least one compartment within the casing for holding the stack of banknotes in a desired orientation, and at least one receptacle for receiving at least one conductive element capable of being arranged in contact with, or proximal to, the stack of banknotes, wherein the at least one receptacle is positioned relative to the at least one compartment such that, when the receptacle holds at least one conductive element, the conductive element can be heated (in accordance with the invention), resulting in the stack of banknotes melting together, and / or at least one indentation being formed in the stack of banknotes. The at least one conductive element may be provide via the insert arrangement as described above. The invention further extends to a kit, for example a kit comprising the precursor anti-tamper container and the insert of the invention. The invention is concerned with an anti-tamper container for storing and transporting a stack of banknotes, in particular an anti-tamper container in the form of an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cassette or a cash-in-transit box. In related aspects, the invention is concerned with an associated cash dispenser machine, preferably an ATM, an insert for an anti-tamper container and associated methods and uses. Any feature in one aspect of the invention may be applied to any other aspects of the invention, in any appropriate combination. In particular, system aspects may be applied to the insert, method and use aspects and vice versa. The invention extends to a system or method substantially as herein described, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Brief Description of the Drawings The invention will now be described, purely by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which; Figure 1 shows a schematic example of a prior art cash-in-transit box; Figure 2 shows a schematic example of an ATM cassette; Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a loaded cash-in-transit box according to one preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a loaded ATM cassette according to one preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of a loaded cash-in-transit box according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of a loaded ATM cassette according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention; and Figure 7 shows the formation of indentations on a banknote by the conductive element of Figure 6. The drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not to scale. Detailed Description Figure 1 shows a typical prior art cash-in-transit box as described above. Figure 2 shows a typical prior art ATM cassette as described above. Figure 3 shows a cash-in-transit box (40) according to one preferred embodiment of the invention. Cash-in-transit box (40) is part-loaded with a stack of banknotes (2) and includes the features described for the prior art cash-in-transit (1) disclosed in Figure 1. However, cash-in-transit box (40) comprises strips of NanoFoil® (50a, 50b) provided within containers (11a, shown without stack of banknotes; 11b, shown with stack of banknotes (2) and as such NanoFoil® strips (50a, 50b) are not visible due to the stank of banknotes being placed over the top). NanoFoil® strips (50a, 50b) are connected via wires (51a, 51b, 51c, 51 d), passing through holes (not shown) in containers (11a, 11b), to circuit (52). Circuit (52) is powered via battery (53) (also connected via wires, not labelled) which can initiate (i.e. power) the exothermic reaction of the NanoFoil® strips (50a, 50b). The circuit (52) is also connected to a trigger mechanism (not shown) to ensure that the NanoFoil® strips (50a, 50b) heat when the trigger mechanism is activated. Figure 4 shows an ATM cassette (60) according to one preferred embodiment of the invention. ATM cassette (60) is part-loaded with a stack of banknotes (2) and includes the features described for the prior art ATM cassette (20) disclosed in Figure 2. However, ATM cassette (60) comprises strips of NanoFoil® (70a, 70b) along base (27). NanoFoil® strips (70a, 70b) are connected via wires (71a, 71b) to circuit (72), in turn powered via battery (73) (also connected via wires, not labelled) which can initiate i.e. power the exothermic reaction of the NanoFoil® strips (70a, 70b). The circuit (72) is also connected to a trigger mechanism (not shown) to ensure that the NanoFoil® strips (70a, 70b) heat when the trigger mechanism is activated. Thus, with reference to Figure 3 and Figure 4, in use, a robber activating a trigger mechanism (not shown) associated with cash-in-transit box (40) or ATM cassette (60) would result in the power source providing an electrical stimulus to the NanoFoil® strips (60a, 60b, 70a, 70b), which in turn effects a self-sustaining exothermic reaction by the NanoFoil® strips (60a, 60b, 70a, 70b). The heat generated melts together the lower edge region of the stack of banknotes (2) to render them unusable, while ensuring the banknote serial numbers are still preserved. Figure 5 shows a cash-in-transit box (80) according to one preferred embodiment of the invention. Cash-in-transit box (80) is part-loaded with a stack of banknotes (2) and includes the features described for the prior art cash-in-transit (1) disclosed in Figure 1. However, cash-in-transit box (80) comprises a plurality of nichrome wires (90), connected by terminal connecting points (91a, 91b), provided within containers (11a, shown without stack of banknotes; 11b, shown with stack of banknotes (2) and as such the plurality of nichrome wires (90) or terminal connecting points (91a, 91b) are not visible due to the stack of banknotes being placed over the top). The plurality of nichrome wires (90) are connected via wire (92a, 92b), passing through holes (not shown) in containers (11a, 11b), to circuit (93). Circuit (93) is powered via battery (94) (also connected via wires, not labelled) which can provide a current to pass through the plurality of nichrome wires (90). The circuit (93) is also connected to a trigger mechanism (not shown) to ensure that the plurality of nichrome wires (90) heat when the trigger mechanism is activated. Figure 6 shows an ATM cassette (100) according to one preferred embodiment of the invention. ATM cassette (100) is part-loaded with a stack of banknotes (2) and includes the features described for the prior art ATM cassette (20) disclosed in Figure 2. However, ATM cassette (100) comprises a plurality of nichrome wires (110) along base (27), the plurality of nichrome wires (110) connected by terminal connecting points (111a, 111b). The plurality of nichrome wires (110) are connected via wire (112) to circuit (113), in turn powered via battery (114) (also connected via wires, not labelled) which can provide a current to pass through the plurality of nichrome wires (110). The circuit (113) is also connected to a trigger mechanism (not shown) to ensure that the plurality of nichrome wires (110) heat when the trigger mechanism is activated. Thus, with reference to Figure 5 and Figure 6, in use, a robber activating a trigger mechanism (not shown) associated with cash-in-transit box (80) or ATM cassette (100) would result in a current passing through, and heating very quickly, the plurality of nichrome wires (90, 110). As the stack of banknotes (2) is positioned on top of the plurality of banknotes (2), the heat generated melts together the lower edge region of the stack of banknotes, as well as deforming the banknotes by forming indentations within the lower edge of the stack of banknotes. Figure 7 shows an individual banknote (120) with indentations (122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e) formed, also at the lower edge region of the stack of banknotes, rendering banknote (120) unusable, while ensuring the banknote serial number is still preserved. After a short time, the circuit (93, 113) and / or wires (90, 92a, 92b, 110, 112) would fuse, stopping the heating process but leaving the banknotes partially damaged along one side. As the plurality of nichrome wires (90, 110) are placed beneath the stack of banknotes (2), they will not degrade areas of the stack of banknotes (2) that contain serial numbers. The plurality of nichrome wires (90, 110) could also be adapted so that different numbers or combinations of wires are activated in cassettes used by individual security companies or banks. This would allow any investigators examining banknotes from a tampered container to quickly identify from whom the money was based on the unique combination of indentation in the stack of banknotes. It will be understood that the present invention has been described above purely by way of example, and modification of detail can be made within the scope of the invention. For example, although the invention is to be used in particular with polymer banknotes, other suitable form of tender or (financial) documentation may be used in an anti-tamper manner by the invention. Different arrangements of conductive elements may be provided as would be understood by the skilled person e.g. covering, or proximal to, the whole of one side of a stack of banknotes to effect melting of, and / or indentations formed in, each individual banknote in the stack of banknotes. Any conductive material can be used as would be understood by the skilled person to, when heated, melt together, and / or form at least one indentation in, a stack of banknotes. Each feature disclosed in the description, and (where appropriate) the claims and drawings may be provided independently or in any appropriate combination. Moreover, the invention has been described with specific reference to anti-5 tamper and anti-theft systems for containers such as cash-in-transit boxes and ATM cassettes. It will be understood that this is not intended to be limiting and the invention may be used more generally. For example, the invention may be used more generally in the security, banking and finance fields, and may be used to secure objects other than banknotes and other currency. Additional 10 applications of the invention will occur to the skilled person.

Claims

1. An anti-tamper container for storing, transporting and optionally dispensing a stack of banknotes, the container comprising: a. a casing having a sealable lid or opening;b. at least one compartment within the casing for holding the stack of banknotes in a desired orientation;c. at least one conductive element capable of being arranged in contact with, or proximal to, the stack of banknotes; andd. means for providing a stimulus to the at least one conductive element, said means connected to, or connectable with, a trigger mechanism;wherein in use, triggering the means for providing a stimulus results in the at least one conductive element being heated, resulting in the stack of banknotes melting together, and / or at least one indentation being formed in the stack of banknotes.

2. An anti-tamper container according to Claim 1, wherein the at least one conductive element is arranged co-axially relative to the stack of banknotes.

3. An anti-tamper container according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one conductive element is a strip-, foil- or wire-like conductive element.

4. An anti-tamper container according to any Claim 3, wherein the at least one conductive element is a plurality of wire-like conductive elements, arranged such that upon triggering the means for providing a stimulus, the plurality of wire-like conductive elements form a plurality of indentations in the stack of banknotes to provide an identifying imprint.

5. An anti-tamper container according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one conductive element comprises any metal from a group consisting of nickel, chromium, aluminium, tungsten and iron.

6. An anti-tamper container according to any preceding claim, where in the stimulus is via heating, an electric current or a laser pulse.

7. An anti-tamper container according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one conductive element can provide a self-sustaining exothermal reaction and the stimulus is required for initial priming of the reaction.

8. An anti-tamper container according to Claim 1 to Claim 6, wherein the stimulus is provided by an electric current and the at least one conductive element is heated via resistance.

9. An anti-tamper container according to any preceding claim, wherein the means for providing a stimulus comprises a dedicated power source capable of being stored within, or associated with, the container.

10. An anti-tamper container according to any preceding claim, wherein the container further comprises an audio and / or visual indicator adapted to provide an alert that the means for providing a stimulus to the at least one conductive element has been triggered.

11. An anti-tamper container according to any preceding claim, wherein the container is an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cassette and the casing and compartment are adapted to dispense individual banknotes.

12. An anti-tamper container according to Claim 11, wherein the container further comprises a resilient means to provide for the at least one conductive element, prior to heating, contacting the stack of banknotes at a force that does not prohibit dispensing of the individual banknotes.

13. An anti-tamper container according to any one of Claim 1 to Claim 10, wherein the container is a cash-in-transit box.

14. A cash dispenser machine comprising an anti-tamper container according to Claim 11 to Claim 12, preferably an ATM.

15. An insert for an anti-tamper container for storing, transporting and optionally dispensing a stack of banknotes, the insert comprising: a. a frame locatable within the container, the frame comprising:i. at least one conductive element capable of being arranged in contact with, or proximal to, the stack of banknotes; andii. means for providing a stimulus to the at least one conductive element, said means connected to, or connectable with, a trigger mechanism;wherein in use, triggering the means for providing a stimulus results in the at least one conductive element being heated, resulting in the stack of banknotes melting together, and / or at least one indentation being formed in the stack of banknotes.

16. An insert according to Claim 15, wherein the insert further comprises a resilient means, or an element for engaging with a resilient means associated with the container, to provide for the at least one conductive element, prior to heating, contacting the stack of banknotes at a force that does not prohibit dispensing of individual banknotes.

17. A method of safeguarding a stack of banknotes, the method comprising the steps of:a. providing the anti-tamper container according to Claim 1 to Claim 13, the cash dispenser machine according to Claim 14, or the anti-tamper container comprising the insert according to Claim 15 to Claim 16; andb. arranging the stack of banknotes relative to the at least one conductive element such that triggering the means for providing astimulus results in the at least one conductive element being heated, resulting in the stack of banknotes melting together, and / or at least one indentation being formed in the stack of banknotes.

18. The use of at least one conductive element capable of being heated, resulting in a stack of banknotes melting together, and / or at least one indentation being formed in the stack of banknotes.

19. The use of a conductive element according to Claim 18, wherein the at least one conductive element is a plurality of wire-like conductive elements capable of being heated to form a plurality of indentations in the stack of banknotes to provide an identifying imprint.

20. The use of a conductive element according to Claim 18 to Claim 19, wherein the at least one conductive element can provide a self-sustaining exothermal reaction.

21. An anti-tamper container, cash dispenser machine, insert, method or use substantially as described herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings.IntellectualPropertyOfficeApplication GB2501751.8Search report under Section 17 of the Patents Act 1977Date search completed: 25 July 2025Claims searched: 1 - 21International classificationSubclass and subgroup Valid from E05G1 / 14 01 / 01 / 2006Field of searchWorldwide search of patent documents classified in the following areas of the IPC:E05GDatabases used in the preparation of this search report:SEARCH-PATENTDocuments considered to be relevantPatent literatureCategory Relevant claims Document of relevance X 1 - 6, 8, 9, 13, 15 - 19 US 3349729 A (OLIVIER), See figures 1 and 5, noting igniters 7, along with a trigger mechanism made up of striker 16, spring 17, and rupture plate 21 that closes the contacts 22.Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Officewww.gov.uk / ipoX 1 — 6, 8 — 19 FR 2676085 A1 (BACHELET MARC), See figures 1 - 4 and the WPI abstract, noting the electrical conductor wires 6, means 7 for keeping them in contact with the edge 8 of the notes 5 and electrical power source 9. X 1 - 6, 7, 9, 10, 15, 17, 18, 20 WO 02 / 079599 A1 (SHI QIUHUA), See figures 1 - 3, noting the igniter 17 connected to surface layer 16, which is controlled by ignition switch 704 to leave a fixed length defect mark on stored banknotes. X 1 — 7, 9, 10, 17 CN 218438932 U (YU FEI), See figures 1 - 3, noting heat conduction plate 8 which is heated by potassium bars 9 to burn stored items, triggered by a pressure detector or the digital password lock. X 1 — 7, 10, 17 CN 207110804 U (ZHEJIANG DAYI TECH DEVELOPMENT CO LTD), See figure 1, noting first storage chamber 9, heated pyrophoric substance 3 that heats splint 10 when forcibly entered, and seal ring 12. X 1 - 6, 10 - 12, 17 BR PI1107234 A2 (PROCOMP AMAZONIA INDUSTRIA ELETRONICA LTDA), See figures 1 - 5 and the abstract, noting “a trigger circuit” and “pyrotechnic burners” on two sides of a cassette. Non-patent literature Category Relevant claims Document of relevanceCategoriesLetter or DescriptionsymbolLetter or symbol Description X Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive step.Y Document indicating lack of inventive step, if combined with another document of the same category. & Member of the same patent family. A Document indicating technological background. P Document published on or after the priority date but before the fling date of the present application. E Earlier application published on or after the filing date of the present application.

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