State police to conduct security audit of banks, ATMs, and jewellery stores in Karnataka

In the wake of a recent spurt in robberies targeting banks, ATM kiosks, money refilling vehicles, and jewellery shops, the State police chief has ordered all police unit heads to carry out an extensive security audit of these institutions, plug gaps, enhance security measures and intensify patrolling.

In a circular issued last week, M.A. Saleem, Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP), Karnataka State Police, has directed the police to conduct comprehensive security audits of banks, ATMs, and jewellery shops in their respective areas to identify vulnerable spots and implement preventive measures.

The move aims to reassure the public and deter criminal activities through increased police visibility and rapid response readiness, the circular said.

The police officers should ensure proper lights, CCTV cameras and alarm systems, and security guards in the ATMs, banks, and jewellery shops in their jurisdiction, Mr. Saleem said. If the police officials found any lapses, the concerned officials should be informed about the same to get it fixed, the circular said. However, the circular has not specified what action will be taken against those establishments that fail to comply. 

The circular also said policemen in plain clothes must be deployed at strategic locations with heavy commercial activities and footfall to monitor any suspicious activity apart from keeping an eye on the parked vehicles on the road in and around banks and commercial areas, and conduct regular checks.

All key commercial establishments should be regularly monitored. The police should also keep an eye on the movement of vehicles on highways, especially during nighttime, and also monitor the movements of habitual offenders on a regular basis, the circular said.

Mr. Saleem also directed the personnel to conduct awareness drives on safety and security measures to be taken with bank officials, jewellers and owners of commercial establishments, lorry and cab drivers.