No ATM centre in the city should function without a security guard from the first week of 2014, city police have told banks here. This comes in the wake of thefts at ATM, and the recent attack on a woman inside a kiosk in Bangalore. According to police statistics, there are over 1,200 bank branches in Chennai with over 3,000 ATMs.
On Monday, senior police officials met representatives of over 40 banks, both nationalised and private sector, with branches in Chennai, at the police commissionerate. In an hour-long meeting, police provided specific guidelines for the enhancement of ATM security.
“We have given strict guidelines for ATM security, including installation of two hi-tech cameras, one outside the kiosk, and providing ample lighting within the ATM centre,” said a senior officer. Police have demanded the removal of dark films and display material on the kiosk glass panes that may hinder visibility inside. Representatives were also advised to appoint young and robust guards outside the ATM centres capable of handling emergencies and alert the police for backup.
Private security agencies meet police
On Tuesday, owners and representatives of private security agencies attended a meeting with senior police officers at the commissionerate. The representatives were advised to insist on antecedence certificate from every prospective guard, which should be obtained from their respective police station limits.
“It has now become mandatory for us to call and verify with the police officer who has issued the certificate before appointing the candidate,” Vincent Gyanakumar, Chief Executive Officer of city-based Hawk Eye Security Force, told reporters.
