Berhampur: Many banks in the town are functioning without closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, while some are using cameras that capture so poor pictures that they won't come to any use to identify criminals in case of a security emergency.

This was revealed during a surprise security drill by the police in 10 banks here on Tuesday. The cops were checking the banks' preparedness to respond to security emergency.

"We conducted the drills to verify the security aspects of various banks and asked them to follow standard-operating procedures such as deployment of adequate number of security guards and installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at appropriate places," said sub-divisional police officer of Berhampur Prabhat Chandra Routray.

Another source in the police said that they found many banks functioning without CCTV cameras and security guards, which are considered among the basic security arrangements these days.

The security measures in the strong rooms were also inadequate in many banks, the official said, adding that they would conduct such security drills at regular intervals.

Berhampur police superintendent Pinak Mishra and SDPO Routray checked the security aspects at the main branch of SBI in the city.

They also scrutinised the functioning of the CCTV cameras and the siren system. They also discussed with the senior officers of the SBI.

"During the security drill, I found that the siren in the bank manager's room was not working," he said.

The police also asked the bank to hire more guards and tighten security.

Additional police superintendent Trinath Patel checked the security measures at Axis and Bandhan banks on Aska Road.

Security aspects at SBI's Medical College branch and AXIS bank's Gajapati Nagar were checked by B.N. Pur police, ICICI main branch at Dharma Nagar and Andhra Bank branch at Old Bus Stand was checked by Town police station, SBI and Andhra banks Bijipur branch was inspected by Gosaninuagaon police station and SBI's Aska Road and Prem Nagar branches were checked by Bada Bazar police station personnel.

"We found that many of the banks were running without CCTV cameras and security guards. Some banks had installed CCTV cameras of poor quality that serve little purpose," said Mishra said.

"I have advised all the banks to tighten their security systems. I have asked the banks to install CCTV cameras not only inside the bank but also on outer surroundings. As the robbers are often decamping with the digital video recorder (DVR) of the CCTV, I advised them to place the digital video recorder in some secret place," he said.

Most of the bank officials said they were waiting for a green signal regarding the appointment of security guards from their higher authorities.

"We can't solely depend on police for security of the banks. The banks also need to take some steps by themselves. The police should regularly carry out security audits to plug loopholes. Even bank employees should be trained to deal with emergency situations," said VIP Colony resident Santosh Mohapatra.