the goan I network
PANAJI
Director General of Police Dr Muktesh Chander on Wednesday criticised the bank officials for their lethargic approach towards the security of the automated teller machines (ATM).
“Banks are not bothered if their ATMs are lifted and taken away as their money is insured,” said furious DGP Chander in a press conference on Wednesday.
DGP has called this conference to announced prize money for the persons who give information about the skimmers in the back of ATMs. Rupees one thousand to the instant informer about the skimmer which can increase to Rs 5,000, if the information leads to the arrest of accused. “Actually banks should take initiative for safeguarding the ATMs but they are not doing so. So as a crime controlling and detection authority we have taken the initiative,” said DGP.
“Bank can install a clone proof ATM but due to high cost they avoid to do so and continue with cheaper machines,” he added. Even there are some instances of police personnel money was robbed using a skimmer. A Skimmer was found in a Bank where all police have their account, he said.
The police department has made and released two videos creating awareness about detecting Skimmer machines and safety measures while using ATM machines.
Stating instances of targeting ATMs in the state has increased with 13 cases registered this year DGP said that it seems the organised cybercrime racket is running country has targeted Goa ATMs. “This is organised crime. We found that the some accused arrested are related to one group,” he said.
DGP further said that this is touristic state safety of money of the tourist is important as the foreigners from all over the world come to Goa.
Physical theft case of ATMs was also happening in the state for the last 4 years consistently. As per the data placed in recent assembly session in June from 2015 to June 2018, there were 22 cases of ATM machine theft and 30 accused were arrested in this theft cases. In 2017 there were around 12 cases of ATM theft cases and 20 accused were arrested in this theft cases.
