LAHORE: City police has directed all banks to beef up security. Security measures taken by banks will be reviewed. SP Security Ammara Athar said this while addressing officials of 200 banks on Tuesday. The SP said that robbers usually targeted citizens when they were coming or going to banks for any transaction. “Bank administrations should complete all security arrangements according to the standard operating procedures (SOPs). We are going to provide firearms training to all security guards of banks. Employs should inform police immediately in case of any suspected activity,” she said. A police officer said that a completely covered vantage point, speed dialing system, properly trained security guards and effective coordination between bank managers and police department could prevent bank robberies in the city. He also suggested that several other initiatives such as having night vision specifications, neighborhood watch security setup, proper utilization of self and private defence, and maintenance of documentation of security guards could also helpful in foiling robbery attempts. “By developing a strong communication network, among all the bank managers, security guards, and SHOs, DSPs and SPs, safety of banks and citizens can be improved,” he said. He said that negligence regarding maintenance of information about guards, outdated firearms, and bad short leave system for guards, replacing them by office boys and poor physical fitness of security men could result in untoward incidents. Published in Daily Times, December 13th 2017.