IBOA seeks enhanced protection for bank customers and staff
Issued : 25 September 2009
Following the recent raids on banks on both sides of the border, IBOA the Finance Union has sought urgent meetings with senior security specialists in the major retail banks as well as with the Garda Commissioner and the Chief Constable of the PSNI.
"In seeking this comprehensive review of the security precautions in place to protect both customers and staff," said IBOA General Secretary Larry Broderick, "the Union wants specific commitments on measures to enhance co-operation between the police services and the banks.
"In particular, we want to see greater visibility of police patrols during work hours in the general vicinity of banks. We want to see security guards present on a continuous basis in any bank premises where substantial volumes of cash may be held. We also want to see the banks investing more significantly in security technology to protect bank staff and their families at home," said the IBOA leader.
"Any shortfall in providing adequate protective measures not only threatens bank staff and customers but also puts considerable sums of money at risk. In that sense, it could truly be said to be penny wise, pound foolish.
"In the interests of staff and customers - and ultimately in the overall interests of the banks, themselves - IBOA is determined to ensure that the optimum level of protection is in place in this industry," he said.
