Telangana, Rachakonda: Crimes such as bank robberies and thefts can be effectively prevented through the use of CCTV cameras and modern technology, stated Rachakonda Commissioner CP Sudhir Babu IPS during a meeting held at the Rachakonda Commissionerate Office in Neredmet. The meeting focused on precautionary measures and security arrangements for banks to ensure their safety and maintain public trust in the wake of recent bank robbery incidents in Raiparti, Bidar, and Mangalore. Chief officers and staff from various banks within the Rachakonda Commissionerate jurisdiction participated in the coordination meeting.
Commissioner Sudhir Babu IPS emphasized the critical role of the banking sector in supporting societal progress and economic activities. He highlighted that people entrust banks with their hard-earned money and rely on them for financial growth. As part of their responsibility, the police department has intensified daily patrols to ensure bank security.
However, recent robberies have exposed vulnerabilities in bank security despite existing measures. The commissioner noted issues such as outdated security arrangements and negligence by some banks. To address this, officials reviewed security measures at 489 banks within the Commissionerate and identified deficiencies, including poor building infrastructure, inadequate locking systems, inattentive or absent security guards, outdated alarm systems, insufficient CCTV coverage, and a lack of data backup.
Valuable suggestions were shared during the meeting:
CCTV Installation: Banks should install CCTV cameras covering all critical areas, including entry and exit points, cash counters, and strong rooms. Cameras must operate 24/7, with footage stored on cloud-based or alternative backup systems. Hidden cameras with battery-operated storage were also recommended.
Compliance with Standards: Banks must adhere to the Telangana Public Safety Act and meet RBI’s minimum security standards. Windows should have grills, and measures like fences, gates, bollards, and vehicle barricades should be in place to prevent unauthorized access.
Upgrading Security Systems: Banks were advised to adopt the latest technologies and install advanced safety devices to counter evolving threats, including cybercrime. Regular software updates and ATM protection measures were also emphasized.
Coordination with Police: Bank representatives were instructed to comply with police guidelines and promptly report any suspicious activities or untoward incidents.
Senior officers, including DCP Yadadri Rajesh Chandra IPS, DCP LB Nagar Praveen Kumar IPS, DCP Malkajgiri Padmaja IPS, DCP Crime Arvind Babu, DCP Maheshwaram Sunitha Reddy, DCP SAT 1 Ramana Reddy, DCP SIT 2 Muralidhar, ACP IT Cell Narender Goud, and ACP CCRB Ramesh, along with other officials, participated in the meeting.
Our Citizen Reporter – Telangana
Mr. Bharath Reddy