 Gurdas Kumar
Early Times Report
Vijaypur, Mar 11: Majority of the automated teller machines (ATMs) are not manned by security guards in Samba and no other substantial step had been taken by the banks to ensure customer security, hence might become a soft target for robbers.
There are 21 ATMs in Samba-11 of SBI, four of JK Bank and six of nationalized and private-sector banks. The residents alleged that most of these ATMs are without security guards and even those that have guards are without any weapon.
"There are fifteen ATMs in Samba market alone- five of SBI, three of JK Bank, one each of PNB, HDFC, ICICI, IDBI, Canara and Union Bank. Only five ATM's have security unarmed guards, just an inattentive person sitting outside the ATM booth to mark as a guard," said Rahul Kumar, a resident of Samba.
An attempt was made to rob the ATM of JK Bank at Sidco Complex in Samba, last year. However, the bid was foiled as thieves failed to extract the machine from the ground and fled the spot. Despite the incident no security measures had been taken by the banks at the ATM booths, he said.
"We feel very unsafe while using an ATM without a security guard. Even if there are guards at an ATM, they are most likely asleep which is a scary prospect for those using the ATM. Many ATMs have CCTV camera but eventually what helps a camera if an untoward incident occurs. The Banks need to step up their security arrangements at ATMs," said Anuradha Devi another resident.
"There have been cases in the past, but banks alone cannot handle the situation. The police and city administration need to actively participate to make the city safe. Also as far as guards are concerned, though it is an advisory, we are ensuring to have guards for all our ATMs, said a senior Bank official, requesting anonymity.
Joginder Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Samba, said as a precautionary measure, the patrolling parties of the police have been instructed to keep an eye on the business houses and ATMs in the city. The police cannot provide security at every ATM booth. It is the responsibility and mandatory for banks to deploy full-time guards at ATMs, the SSP said. |
