The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Focus on safety at banks, ATMs Law & order

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Saturday, May 24, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Focus on safety at banks, ATMs Law & order

Only joint efforts by bankers and the police will help prevent crimes at financial institutions and ATM centres, writes V.S. Palaniappan

Who will ensure the safety of people com

ing out of banks and ATM centres? Who should give protection to banks and ATM centres?

With attempts to rob people coming out of banks and ATM kiosks are increasing the focus shifts to these places. The police have been conducting regular meetings with bankers to reiterate the need to ensure that safety mechanisms such as burglar alarms, closed circuit televisions and cameras are installed. They have also been told to provide armed security for banks. But most of the banks have not done so.

The police have asked its officers on night patrol to keep a watch on bank premises and ATM kiosks at frequent intervals.

The police say even instances of ATM cards of others being misused could be prevented if surveillance cameras are placed. The culprit could be easily traced.

Criminals from Ramji Nagar near Tiruchirapalli are known for diversion of attention as their modus operandi used to prey on innocent people.

The police have started putting up boards stating the Dos and Don’ts while carrying valuables near banks and ATMs.

People are told not to pick up conversation with strangers and take any help from them in case of technical problems at ATMs. In case of problems, they should alert the security guard or call the designated person from the phone provided at the ATM.

Transportation of cash and valuables by bankers in unsafe conditions has also drawn flak from the police.

Even bank employees have staged a demonstration in protest against the manner in which valuables are transported.

Some bankers even use autorickshaws or private vehicles to transport cash and valuables. Normally vehicles meant for transporting currency and jewellery should have strong locks and iron grills, police say.

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