ATM break-ins have surged, with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) pegging losses to banks from such thefts at ₹25.47 crore in 2018-9 (more than double the ₹11.22 crore recorded in 2017-18).
Maharashtra has recorded the highest number of ATM thefts (67), followed by Rajasthan (65) in the year gone by. However, in terms of value, banks lost more money in four other States compared to Maharashtra, where their losses went from ₹1.22 crore in 2017-18 to ₹1.94 crore in 2018-19.
The RBI has issued instructions to all banks to ensure the safety of their Cash Vending Machines across the country. The guidelines come in the wake of increasing number of cases of burglary, dacoity, robbery and theft in Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).
Anurag Singh Thakur, Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs, said, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha on July 9 that there were 303 cases in 2017-18 and 515 cases in 2018-19. The number of cases recorded was the second highest in Maharashtra in 2017-18, and the highest in 2018-19. Despite fewer incidents of ATM thefts, banks lost more money in Karnataka (₹3.74 crore), Gujarat (₹2.90 crore), Haryana (₹2.82 crore) and Bihar (₹1.95 crore).
Concerned, the central bank has recently issued fresh instructions to all banks to make sure that ATMs are affixed to a structure like walls, pillars or floor. The only exception has been made for ATMs installed in highly secured premises such as airports that have adequate CCTV coverage and are guarded by State or Central security personnel. Banks have also been urged to consider rolling out a comprehensive e-surveillance mechanism at ATMs to ensure timely alerts and quick response.
