Aurangabad, Jan 9:
Banks have reduced the number of ATMs to cut other expenses. Security guards at many ATMs have also been removed. As a result, ATMs are being targetted in many places in the city. Taking note of the rising incidents, the police convened a meeting of bank officials and instructed them to take steps to prevent ATM thefts. Even after that, many banks have ignored these instructions.
A survey conducted by this reporter in the city revealed that the banks have turned a blind eye at implementing basic security measures at ATMs. The ATMs in some parts of the city including Samarthnagar, Cidco, Aurangpura, Pandariba, Avishkar Colony, Hudco were also seen collecting dust and lacked maintenance. Majority of ATM centres are protected only with the help of CCTV. There is no security guard at IDBI''s ATM at Cidco N-1 Chowk. ATM of SBI bank in Samarthnagar, Kranti Chowk and Mondha were also found without security. There was also no security guard at the private banks'' ATMs at Khadkeshwar, Cidco N-7, N-6 and Padegaon. The doors of the ATMs are not closed. Hence stray dogs also take shelter in ATM centres. The centres are also littered with receipts that are not cleaned for several days. Similarly, the air conditioning of 80 per cent of the ATMs has gone defunct. Lack of proper temperature inside the cabin causes the ATMs to overheat and malfunction.
Several ATMs closed
In the last two years, 30 to 40 ATMs of various banks have been closed in the city. As there is no security guard, so there is no denying the occurrence of ATM theft. Security guards are found only at some ATMs located next to the branch. Elsewhere, however, the number is less. Considering the increased number of ATM users, the banks must increase the number of ATMs and up security measures.