Karnataka - Bellary   

Banks asked to install CCTVs

BELLARY: Additional Superintendent of Police D.C. Rajappa has underlined the need for banks to install Closed Circuit Televisions (CCTVs) and appoint security guards to ensure safety.

He was addressing managers of various banks here on Saturday. The meeting, which stressed on issues of safety and security at banks, has assumed significance in the wake of the theft of Rs. 4 lakh from Canara Bank here on Wednesday. A similar incident occurred at the main branch of the State Bank of Mysore (SBM) here two years ago. Incidents of cash theft that had taken place at SBM, Bidar, and other places by distracting cashiers and customers, were also discussed at the meeting.

On Wednesday, a gang of seven people had entered Canara Bank minutes after it was opened, kept the cashier, who was busy shifting money from the cash trunk to the drawers, and other officials of the bank near the cash counter engaged. One of them stealthily entered the cabin and fled away with Rs. 4 lakh. But, owing to swift action by the police, two members were arrested near Gadiganur, 40 km from Bellary, within three hours of the incident. A sum of Rs. 3 lakh was recovered from them.

“The members of the gang are from Tiruchi in Tamil Nadu and are suspected to have been involved in several such cases, including the one at SBM here,” Mr. Rajappa said, and added that a detailed investigation of the incident was under way. Mr. Rajappa felt that installing CCTVs was essential as it would record all day-to-day happenings in the bank premises and would also help in identifying the criminals

He also said an armed security guard posted at the entrance of the bank would not only create fear in the minds of criminals, but would also help keep a close watch on the movement of people visiting banks. He suggested that during continuous holidays, small bank branches should ensure that large amounts of cash are shifted to currency chests at their respective main branches.

“The police will try to install “e-beat” readers at all banks, while instructions would be given to officials on night patrol to compulsorily visit these places. Police escorts would also be arranged if large amounts of cash needed to be transported to other branches. However, the bank should give a requisition 30 minutes prior to actual departure,” he said.

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