Theft bid puts ATM security under scan

Despite the police working overtime with banks to tighten security at ATM kiosks across the City, a fresh attempt was made to loot a Vijaya Bank ATM in Vidya Nagar, Chikkajala, on Friday midnight.

The failed robbery attempt came to light in the early hours of Saturday. T R Suresh, Divisional DCP (North-East), said the bank did not comply with security measures prescribed by the police.

A gang of three men, who had covered their faces with monkey caps, barged into the ATM kiosk at half past midnight on Friday.

Police sources said Annaiah, 42, a security guard working with a private security firm, was posted at the kiosk. He claimed to have been asleep in the inverter room when the gang barged in.

He said the miscreants tied him up and locked him inside the room. They then tried to break open the ATM with an iron rod.

Though the miscreants were successful in smashing the screen, they could not lay their hands on the cash.

Two policemen with the Chikkajala police station, on night patrol, reached the kiosk before they could steal the money.

On seeing the police approaching, the miscreants fled. As the policemen entered the kiosk, they saw the guard coming out of the room.

He claimed to have freed himself. The Chikkajala police have registered a case and are probing into the case.

Suresh said the security guard’s version was suspect and he was being questioned. He did not rule out the guard’s involvement. Pointing out the security lapses at the kiosk, Suresh said at least two guards were supposed to be posted there in two shifts a day.

However, Annaiah and his younger brother guarded the kiosk on alternate days. Both were posted on 24-hour duty, which affected their efficiency.

Though there were two CCTV cameras at the kiosk, there was no burglar alarm, Suresh said, adding that the CCTV footage showed three men in black dresses and monkey caps.
Police Commissioner Raghavendra Auradkar had a meeting with bankers recently where the banks had sought more time to install burglar alarms.

Kamal Pant, Additional Commissioner (Law & Order), said most banks had complied with other security measures like having a security guard round the clock and installing two CCTV cameras.