RBI has directed all the banks in the country to take steps for ensuring safety of the cash vending machines of their banks.  The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has informed that in order to mitigate risks involved in open cash replenishment/ top-up in ATMs, instructions were issued by RBI to all banks, vide RBI’s Circular dated 12.04.2018 regarding usage of lockable cassettes in the ATMs of banks, which shall be swapped at the time of cash replenishment.

RBI has informed that the number of instances of burglary, dacoity, robbery and theft in ATMs, as reported by banks and financial institutions to RBI, were 303 in 2017-18 and 515 in 2018-19. The amount involved was ₹ 11.22 crores and ₹ 25.47 crores respectively. The State-wise details are at Annex.

In order to mitigate risks in ATM operations and enhance their security, the following instructions were issued by RBI to all banks vide RBI’s Circular dated 14.06.2019:

(i) All ATMs shall be operated for cash replenishment only with digital One Time Combination (OTC) locks.

(ii) All ATMs shall be grouted to a structure (wall, pillar, floor, etc.), except for ATMs installed in highly secured premises such as airports, etc. which have adequate CCTV coverage and are guarded by state / central security personnel.

(iii) Banks to consider rolling out a comprehensive e-surveillance mechanism at the ATMs to ensure timely alerts and quick response.

This was stated by Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, Minister of State for Finance & Corporate Affairs in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha.

ATM security: banks must use digital OTC locks, grout machines and deploy e surveillance to curb cash theft. RBI directed banks to strengthen ATM safety by mandating use of lockable cassettes for top ups and issued instructions requiring operation of cash replenishment only with digital One Time Combination (OTC) locks, grouting ATMs to fixed structures except in highly secured premises, and consideration of comprehensive e surveillance at ATM sites to ensure timely alerts and quick response.