Abstract: A marking apparatus (1) for marking an item (12). The apparatus comprises: means to receive the item; a nucleic acid marker; means to release a marking fluid (8); and a distribution mechanism (11) coupled to the nucleic acid marker and the means to release the marking fluid. The means to release the marking fluid can be activated to release the marking fluid such that the distribution mechanism disperses a mixture of the nucleic acid marker and the marking fluid onto the item.

Abstract: A device for use in a bank note container such as a preloaded cassette used in cash dispensers having the purpose of rendering unusable the bank notes in the container in the case there is detected (preferably by electronic means) a violation, attempted theft or unauthorized manuever to displace or remove the container.

Abstract: A stable indelible colored ink composition for invalidating bank notes or similar valuables by staining them permanently, comprises at least one of di- or tri-phenylguanidine.

Abstract: An anti-theft system for an automatic teller machine (ATM) causes a currency alarm pack to deface the currency supply in the event that an attempt is made to transport the entire ATM. When the machine is moved, a localized field is momentarily activated and thereafter deactivated and disabled for a first predetermined interval. A triggerable currency alarm in the money supply of the machine, includes a field detector and a motion detector. The currency alarm is triggered when the following three conditions concur. First, the field detector detects the localized field and thereafter ceases to detect the localized field. Second, the motion detector detects motion of the currency alarm during a predetermined delay interval less than the first predetermined interval during which the field is disabled. Third, the field detector does not reacquire the localized field during the predetermined delay interval.