ATM-related crimes press panic button
In the wake of a recent incident where burglars tried to break open an ATM in North Delhi, Delhiites reveal how security issues are a major concern at ATMs and share some scary experiences.
Says Tanu Jain, a young brand consultant, “I recently went to the New Friends Colony Community Centre, and the ATM had no electricity or guard. But I went to withdraw money urgently. The minute I stepped out, a tall guy posing as the guard started questioning me if I had a mobile, as he wanted to make a call. Fortunately, my friend came and I left, but it really scared me. I wonder how there are no security guards at many of these ATMs.”
In a similar incident, Samantha, an IT professional shares how two men carrying a knife stalked her brother’s friend at the ATM. “A person started following him. Since the door of the ATM was in a bad shape, this person went inside with my brother’s friend, with another guy carrying a knife, and they asked him to hand over the money he had withdrawn. There’s nothing you can do once someone robs you. Measures have to be taken before,” she says.
Rohit Narang, who works for a firm that deals in ATM securities, suggests that people must avoid using ATMs in isolated areas at odd hours. “I was at the Nangia Park ICICI ATM, and a few guys were sitting in a car parked outside the ATM, and one of their friends was already in the ATM. When this guy finished his transaction, I went ahead, but this guy kept waiting outside. He said he wanted to take a mini statement. Since there was no guard, I felt quite unsafe, I told him the ATM has run out of money and I could only manage to withdraw Rs 1,000. Though nothing happened, I was terrorised. You can be a target if you’re in a secluded area,” he adds.
There are some who feel that ATMs need more security officials than just one guard. Says Sannandh Chopra, a DU student, “Once I went to the ICICI ATM in Punjabi Bagh, despite the fact that the Central Market was just a few steps away, I felt so unsafe in that area. Two guys on a bike followed us, and while we were withdrawing money, they came in. There were two guards, but they couldn’t have helped if anything went wrong.An ATM machine needs more security than just one guard standing outside.”
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