In the wake of the recent robbery attempt at the Nedungadu branch of Indian Overseas Bank here, the police, in consultation with banks, have come out with guidelines to step up security at banks and at ATMs in the district.
As a first step , banks have been asked to place 24-hour security in place.
As most ATM centres are guarded by elderly men, banks are specifically advised to appoint youngsters in their place.
Burglary alarms/smoke detectors and infrared sensors for cash chests should also be put in place.
Banks shall have an officer to ensure that property was properly secured before the branch was closed for the day. Banks have also been advised to verify the functioning of CCTVs and also put in place a backup system.
Earlier, a consultative meeting was organised under Senior Superintendent of Police Monika Bhardwaj here with bank heads to ascertain the security preparedness of banks and suggest ways to improve security infrastructure.
Banks were asked to send in reminders to their head offices for immediate placement of 24-hour armed guards . Antecedents of employees and security guards of banks should be properly verified.
Phone numbers of the area police station, contact number of station head, and superior officers must be displayed prominently at all banks and at ATM centres. The SHOs and beat police are instructed to visit banks and ATM centres regularly. A register shall be maintained at banks and at ATM centres in which the SHOs and beat officers shall record their remarks on security during inspections.
The managers of the bank shall take cognisance of the remarks and act on it.
