Shivamogga SP meets bank officials, directs them to strengthen security systems at banks, ATM kiosks

Shivamogga Superintendent of Police GK Mithun Kumar | Picture Source: Special Arrangements

Shivamogga Superintendent of Police GK Mithun Kumar advised bank officials to strengthen security equipment at banks and ATM kiosks to avoid theft of valuables. He set a 15-day deadline to put security measures in place and said his officials would later visit to check whether banks complied with instructions.

During a meeting with bank representatives at Shivamogga on November 7, Mr Mithun Kumar said the lack of security and alarm systems in banks has led to frequent incidents of theft in recent years. Referring to the theft of gold worth crores of rupees from a bank in Nyamati in Davangere district, the official said the theft could have been avoided if the officials concerned had taken preventive measures.

The SP said that during the inspection of the bank branch in Shivamogga, his officials noticed gaps in the security arrangements. “In some branches, the windows are very flimsy and criminals can easily break them and gain entry into the place. If any case of theft occurs due to negligence of bank managers, they will also be named as accused in the case.

Listing out the instructions, the SP said police should replace the antiquated alarm systems.

“Banks should have motion screening lockers and an effective alarm system. If anyone enters the area, the concerned officials should be alerted. Merely installing CCTV cameras is not enough. Officials should carefully place the storage system (DVR) so that it is not easily accessible to outsiders Attention. Otherwise, it is easy for thieves to take away the evidence along with the valuables,” he said.

Mr. Mithun Kumar told officials to hire guards from certified agencies to ensure security at banks and ATM kiosks.

“If some small branches cannot hire security personnel, the personnel can install advanced surveillance systems. We will also work together to insist that night-shift police officers visit the banks regularly,” he added.

Additional SP Anil Kumar Bhoomareddy and other officials were present at the meeting.