Banks to get weapons’ licences in Kohlapur

The Kolhapur police have decided to issue licences for weapons to banks on priority basis in order to beef up their security. The police have also asked banks to use weapons in cases of eventualities.

The superintendent of police, Kolhapur, Vijaysingh Jadhav, told DNA that he had instructed banks to implement various security measures.

“The banks have been asked to apply for the weapons’ licences. We will issue these licences on priority basis to protect the banks’ properties. The licences will be issued to bank managers and the security guards can use them,’’ he said.

At present, the banks appoint security guards having licences for weapons or pay private security agencies for arranging security guards.

“I have also asked them to use weapons in an eventuality. The weapons will be of no use if they lie idle,’’ he said. Jadhav on Thursday conducted a meeting with representatives of different banks. More than 100 officers from 80 banks attended the meeting.

The banks have been asked to install CCTVs in the offices and also outside the office premises. The banks have been asked to install better quality strong rooms, locks and doors. “The entry and exit points should be monitored carefully. The banks should also ensure that their employees are not engaging in criminal activities,’’ he said.