Thieves won't get these ATMs

Police here are working on a proposal to rent out their premises for installing automated teller machine kiosks. Security to the ATMs has remained an issue with many incidents of loot getting reported recently. In some cases the ATM machines were stolen.

It has provided banks with prime locations in the city for installing their ATMs. The dacoit menace will be effectively neutralised with 24-hour police presence at the kiosks.

The city police have given thieves a dare and those planning to steal money from ATMs have to look for an innovative way-out.

“It is a win win situation. The police department will rake in money while the banks will get the advantage of round the clock security,” said an official.

As a pilot project, an ATM machine has already been installed at Kotwali Police station premises. Sources said the police department is planning to install these machines at 40 to 45 police stations which are located at main markets and roads.

A private bank has already submitted a proposal. “A bank has proposed to install its ATM at police stations. I personally agree with the proposal, but it is being examined at the headquarters,” said B L Soni, Jaipur police commissioner.

“Banks are keen on the proposal as they can save around Rs 16,000 to Rs 17,000 per month on security related expenses, while these ATMs will be source of revenue for the department,” said a senior police officer.

Sources said if this experiment turns out successful in Jaipur, it can be replicated in the whole state.