Hyderabad: The doors of most ATM centres and their front side are covered with advertising stickers making it easy for criminals to attack lonely customers. As the security of hundreds of ATMs are at stake the police has asked banks not to cover the glass panes with stickers. The police has also made it a must to deploy two security guards in shifts to guard ATMs. However, very few banks have followed orders so far.
Last month, an armed man opened fire inside an unguarded SBI ATM centre to snatch a woman techie’s gold ornaments, mobile phone and debit card at Yousufguda. When the attack was going on inside the ATM people outside on the road did not see anything unusual. “The glass panes were covered with advertisements and nobody could see what’s going on inside unless he or she opens the door,” said a police official from SR Nagar.
Hundreds of ATMs in the city have their own bank advertisements blocking inside views. “Any person who walks by ATM centers should be able to see what’s happening inside. It can give a sense of security to customers and a sense of fear for a potential criminal,” said a senior police official from Hyderabad. Soon after the ATM robbery in Yousufguda, following orders from Hyderabad police commissioner Mahender Reddy, SHOs had issued notice to all banks. “Deploy security guards at ATMs round the clock. Do not cover ATM doors and glass panes with advertisement boards. Do not allow more than one person inside the ATM. Install CCTV cameras or verify the condition of installed devices,” the notice said. It’s been a month now. However, it seems that most banks have ignored the notice. Top cops said the police is examining possibilities of legal action against the banks.
