Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jul 14: Demand for bank lockers in Mangaluru and surrounding areas has surged recently, driven by a spate of house burglaries and thefts. Residents, especially elderly individuals and employed couples living in independent houses, are increasingly seeking secure storage options for their valuables.

Sources report a notable increase in inquiries for new lockers and higher usage of existing ones, particularly in nationalised and co-operative banks. Some branches have already reached their locker capacity and are redirecting customers to nearby branches with available facilities. This shortage is more pronounced in nationalised and co-operative banks, known for their comparatively lower rental fees compared to private banks.

The preference is for medium and large lockers, as residents are using these to safeguard not only gold ornaments and cash but also silver articles used in religious rituals, important documents, and other valuables.

Representational image

Gopalakrishna Bhat K, CEO of SCDCC Bank, acknowledged the rise in locker openings and operations in their branches, attributing it to the increased desire among people to secure their gold and other valuables.

In terms of costs, nationalised banks charge annual rents ranging from Rs 1,500 to Rs 7,500, with initial deposits varying from Rs 15,000 to Rs 40,000, which are refundable upon closure of the locker.

This trend highlights a community-wide response to recent security concerns, reflecting a proactive approach by residents to safeguard their assets amidst rising incidents of theft and burglary in the area.