SOME BANKS are stepping up security at their ATM machines while the police pledge to keep a closer eye on these locations because of the expected increase in users over the traditionally busy holiday season.
Without going into the details, Union Bank, National Commercial Bank (NCB) and the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) which, collectively have 182,000 ATM users, said they would be increasing security for the period.
Allison Christie-Binger, corporate communications manager at the JNBS, said "we will be increasing security for the Christmas season (and are) currently reviewing recommendations for improving the security system."
There has been one death and one shooting of persons in the vicinity of ATMs in 15 reported cases; both incidents occurred at night.
While there has not been a trend in ATM related incidents, Inspector Keith Barrett, at the Police Statistics noted that "because we know that so many people use the machines we will increase our presence (islandwide) during Christmas."
He noted that out-of-uniform policemen are frequently situated at ATMs. "Because they're not seen in uniform that does not means that we are not observing," said the Inspector.
The Gleaner scouted some ATMs across Kingston between 9:00 p.m. and midnight recently. Security systems differed. Some had guards, adequate lighting, functional locks on the doors and other security features, while others did not.
