Karachi Police Issue Safety Advisory for Bank and ATM Cash Withdrawals

KARACHI: Senior officials of the Karachi Police have urged citizens to exercise extra caution after withdrawing cash from banks or ATMs, warning that organized criminal groups often target individuals carrying large amounts of money.

According to police officials, incidents of robbery involving bank customers are frequently carried out by well-organized gangs. In many cases, some suspects remain outside the bank on motorcycles or in vehicles, while one or two accomplices stay inside the branch pretending to conduct transactions and monitor customers withdrawing large sums of cash. They then alert their associates once the targeted individual leaves the bank.

The police advised customers to remain vigilant and pay attention to unfamiliar individuals inside and outside bank premises. They also recommended avoiding displaying cash openly at the counter and suggested carrying money discreetly in ordinary bags or concealed inside clothing rather than in bank-branded envelopes or bags.

Authorities further advised people to stay alert while traveling home or to their offices after withdrawing cash. Anyone who suspects they are being followed should immediately head to a crowded public place or the nearest police station.

Police also encouraged the public to minimize cash transactions whenever possible by using online bank transfers, pay orders, or mobile banking applications instead of withdrawing large amounts of cash.

In addition, citizens were advised not to withdraw large sums from the same bank, at the same time, or by following the same route on a regular basis, as predictable routines can make them easier targets for criminals.

Officials warned that robbery risks may increase during the beginning of the month or on days when many people withdraw cash. They also urged customers to avoid using mobile phones while leaving the bank, remain fully aware of their surroundings, and, whenever possible, take a trusted companion along when withdrawing substantial amounts of money.

The police further recommended using ATMs located in shopping malls or other busy public areas instead of isolated or poorly lit machines to reduce the risk of robbery.