Banks, ATMs must update security systems: Rachakonda CP Sudheer Babu

The RBI has clearly stated that there should be systems that alert local police station in case of any incident at an ATM or even a bank. Without such a system, the work of thieves is becoming easier.

Hyderabad: The recent heist at an ATM centre in Raviryal village, Maheswaram, Rangareddy district, where a gang broke open the ATM with cutters and iron bars, and decamped with Rs 30 lakh cash, has raised questions over whether banks have upgraded their security systems.

Apart from this incident, a few days ago, an interstate robbery gang from Bihar had opened fire on cash management staff, who were refilling an ATM in Bidar and made away with cash of Rs 93 lakh. From Bidar, the robbery gang came to Afzalgunj and opened fire on a travel company staff and escaped. Such instances only end-up raising safety concerns over customers and cash at ATMs and even banks in Hyderabad.

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To understand and find a solution to such instances, recently the Rachakonda police conducted a field inspection of security at ATMs and banks by visiting 489 branches of various banks under the Commissionerate.

The findings of the top cop, however, were not encouraging. It was found that more than half of the banks are still using old security systems.

The RBI has clearly stated that there should be systems that alert local police station in case of any incident at an ATM or even a bank. Without such a system, the work of thieves is becoming easier.

Rachakonda Police Commissioner, G Sudheer Babu, who identified this problem, had earlier met the bank representatives and requested them to rectify such issues. However, there has been no development in that direction.

“It was found that several banks had deficiencies such as substandard buildings, weak security arrangements and locking system, lack of alertness or non-appointment of security guards, outdated alarm system, absence of CCTVs, and only single backup of data footage,” the Commissioner said.

He made several suggestions to the bank representatives regarding security infrastructure and that new technology should be adopted from time to time and new security devices should be installed to prevent unauthorized access.