The need for strengthening security measures in cooperative banks functioning in rural areas was discussed at a meeting convened by the district police office here on Saturday.
R. Sakthivel, Superintendent of Police, held discussion with the presidents, secretaries and directors of the more than 200 cooperative banks functioning in Salem Police district limits.
Mr. Sakthivel said that protecting the jewellery and other properties deposited with the banks for getting loans was the responsibility of the cooperative bank directors and office bearers.
He urged the cooperative banks to take steps to install burglar alarms, closed circuit television cameras (CCTVs) and employ round-the-clock security personnel to prevent burglaries and loss of jewellery and other properties of poor people.
The cooperative banks should also take steps for organising night patrolling, mobilizing local youth. He urged that banks be housed in their own buildings and compound walls built.
Some of the participants said that they were not vested with the powers of installing CCTVs, construction of compound wall and needed a nod from the higher authorities for the same.
