Panaji (Goa): State Police have decided to issue instruction to the banks across the State to ensure that their ATMs are properly guarded during the night time by keeping a proper watch on the security guard deployed to man the machine.

Director General of Police Muktesh Chandar said that several times the banks are not bothered about the security of the ATM machines as they are insured and any kind of loss is compensated by the insurance companies.

State police have issued the directives after a security guard of ATM in Panaji city foiled the bid by a robber to break open the machine. The guard who vehemently fought back the robber was seriously injured.

“What is our experience is that the banks are worried about ATM thefts as the money is insured and they get money (compensation) from the insurance companies in case of any eventualities,” Chandar told a press conference today after felicitating the guard who foiled an attempt to rob the ATM despite getting critically injured during the fracas. 

Chandar said that there are instances where even ATM machines have been uprooted and robbed. “The clarity of CCTV cameras installed inside the ATMs is bad. There are times when the machines are left unguarded,” he said.

The DGP said that the banks can install modern gadgets in the ATM which will alert the concerned manager and local police station with a SMS alert if anyone tries to temper with the machine.

Superintendent of Police (North) Chandana Chowdhury said that she has already issued directions to the night checking staff of her department to be more vigilant and ensure that  the guard is not sleeping on duty at  the ATM.

 “We will also write to the banks to examine the kind of agreement that they are having with the security agencies and they must have their own internal check mechanism in order to ensure that the staff that is deployed at ATM for security purposes are serious and they do not sleep. In case guards are having any physical issues they must change the shifts,” she added