After the recent robbery recorded in the branch of the Savings Bank, El Ingenio, the Minister of Security, Juan Manuel Pino expressed his concern about the poor security system that banks have in Panama.
The minister said that it is necessary to call the attention of the banking entities so that they invest in protection and security, since in less than a month more than 3 bank robberies have been registered.
He said that yesterday’s robbery at the Savings Bank took place in less than a minute and that the security guard located outside the bank was the one who kept the keys to open the branch when it is common to be the security inside have the key. “They have to beef up their security system because there are flaws,” he said.
Pino added that in effect the National Police will provide support to the Savings Bank to reinforce security, however this measure will be transitory since each bank must invest in the security of its branches.
“It is a state entity, they have asked us and we are gladly willing until they improve their security… It has to be provisional, it cannot be permanent because how many banks are there in Panama, how many police officers would have to invest in this security”, he maintained by reiterating the importance of bank security having firearms to protect the banking entity and prevent these crimes.
Regarding this issue of bank security, the director of the National Police, John Dornheim, said that support will indeed be given to the Savings Bank, but that the entity must pay the Police for the service.
“They are going to pay the security to the National Police and this reinforces it more while they take the pertinent measures to improve their security,” he pointed out.
