Banks taking security at ATMs lightly, rue police

the goan I network
PANAJI
Training guns at the banking institutions for their apathy towards ensuring strong security at ATM booths, Director General of Police Dr Muktesh Chander on Sunday stated that banks are not worried about ATM booth robbery because the money in these ATM units is usually insured.
Speaking at Police Headquarters, DGP Dr Chander said, "Because they receive insurance cover from insurance companies, many a times banks are not conscious about the level of security provided at their ATM booths."
He urged the bank managements to set up advanced alarm systems to prevent robberies at their ATM booths. "Gadgets with proximity sensors, which send SMS and ring a loud alarm, should be set up at ATM booths. Modern technology should be utilized in securitizing ATMs," Dr Chander said.
Superintendent of Police (North) Chandan Choudhury admitted that there was a day's delay in registration of an FIR following the foiled attempt at an armed robbery at the Bank of Maharashtra ATM booth in Panaji, next to the Police Headquarters.
"For private reasons best known to him, the bank manager couldn't have his statement recorded for almost a day after the offence. On the morning following the offence, he got us a pen drive containing the CCTV footage, which didn't open. Then he promised us a CD, which was received only the next day. His statement was recorded well after a day and only then we could take cognizance of the offence," SP Choudhury disclosed.
She narrated how the investigating officer of Panaji Police station, Sub-Inspector Rashmi Bhaidkar had to call the bank manager repeatedly to tell him that it was a serious offence, which has to be registered.
SP (North) informed that Goa Police will write to the zonal manager and other senior officials in the bank requesting them to enquire into the day-long delay by the branch manager in giving his police statement
SP Choudhury further stated that the hammer and face mask used by the accused were seized and that the police are hopeful of an
arrest soon.
Meanwhile, directions have been issued to the night duty officers to be more vigilant with regard to banking and other financial institutions. They have been directed to ensure that the guards at ATMs do not sleep while on duty and stay alert all the time. "We will write to the banks in this regard," she said.
The police are presently verifying all inputs from the entire stretch of road and all exit routes to check if
there were more than two
culprits.
Meanwhile, it was learnt that Panaji Police have circulated an enlarged clipping from the CCTV camera footage where the face of the accused can be seen clearly.
On intervening night of October 26 and 27 between 1.05 am and 1.30 am, two unknown accused attempted to rob the Cash Deposit Machine and ATM units of Bank of Maharashtra located opposite the Government Printing Press, near the Police Headquarters in Panaji.