Car washes are rarely involved in crime dramas, but a low-budget villain has entered our industry, and we think you should know about it.
In recent weeks, several car wash sites, especially across the northern suburbs of Melbourne, have been hit by an unusual but surprisingly effective tactic. Thieves are using cheap EMP (Electromagnetic Pulse) devices — think $50 off the internet — to empty change machines of their $1 coins.
A low-tech device barely more advanced than a knock-off TV remote from a $2 shop is doing the damage. It works by interfering with coin hoppers that operate using pulse communication, which, unfortunately, covers around 90% of change machines. Check out these videos to see thieves in action. Video One Video Two
What’s Happening?
- The device emits a pulse that tricks coin hoppers into thinking they’ve been paid.
- Only $1 coins are affected (according to current reports), not $2 or tokens.
- Offenders have struck multiple sites, including Werribee, Maribyrnong, Moonee Ponds, Deer Park, and Thomastown. Indeed, some members have been hit numerous times — even after modifying their machines with internal shielding.
What Can You Do?
- Monitor coin levels frequently — suspicious drops in coin revenue could be a red flag.
- Talk to your supplier to see what can be done. Some members have trialled changing to $2 coins or tokens only.
- Limit coin float amounts in machines overnight or during off-peak periods.
- Report any incidents to police — multiple reports help establish patterns and increase the chance of identifying offenders.
Let’s hope this crime wave ends as fast as it started. In the meantime, keep an eye on your change machines, and remember, sometimes, the best defence is simply knowing what to look out for.
Thanks go to ACWA members Daniel, Chrisy and Team, Jon and Carl for sounding the alarm early and sharing detailed reports (and even CCTV footage) that have helped alert the industry.
ACWA: Informing Operators, One Coin at a Time.
