Karachi Police Issue Safety Advisory for Bank and ATM Users to Prevent Robberies

Karachi: Senior officials of the Karachi Police have advised citizens to exercise extra caution after withdrawing cash from banks or ATMs, warning that organized criminal gangs often target people carrying large sums of money.

According to police, incidents of robbery frequently occur shortly after customers leave banks or ATMs with cash. Authorities said such crimes are often carried out by well-organized groups that monitor customers before striking.

Police officials explained that in many cases, some gang members wait outside banks on motorcycles or in vehicles, while one or two accomplices remain inside the bank under various pretexts to observe customers making large cash withdrawals. They then allegedly alert their associates outside, who follow and target the victims.

To reduce the risk, police advised customers to remain alert to suspicious individuals both inside and outside banks and avoid displaying cash openly at the counter. They also recommended carrying money discreetly rather than using bank-branded envelopes or bags, suggesting that cash be kept in ordinary bags or concealed securely.

Authorities further urged people to stay aware of their surroundings after leaving the bank and to watch for anyone following them. If they suspect they are being tailed, they should immediately head to a crowded public place or the nearest police station.

Police also encouraged citizens to use online bank transfers, pay orders, or mobile banking applications instead of carrying large amounts of cash whenever possible.

In addition, they advised against withdrawing large sums from the same bank, at the same time, or by using the same route on a regular basis, as predictable routines can make individuals easier targets.

Officials warned that the risk of robberies tends to increase during the beginning of the month and other periods when large cash withdrawals are common.

Citizens were also advised to avoid using mobile phones while entering or leaving banks so they can remain fully aware of their surroundings. For large cash withdrawals, police recommended taking a trusted companion along instead of traveling alone.

Finally, police urged people to use ATMs located in shopping malls or other busy, well-populated areas rather than isolated or poorly lit locations to minimize security risks.