How to make a bank safe

Banks are the cornerstone of the global economy. They safeguard valuable assets, facilitate financial transactions, and provide a range of essential services for businesses and retail customers.

This makes them a prime target for criminals. While much of the attention over recent years has looked at the developing digital threat to financial institutions, the physical security of banks cannot be ignored. Ensuring the physical security of a bank is essential to its operations, protecting financial resources and sensitive client information. Trust and security are critical to the success of banks and other financial institutions

At Safetell, we provide a range of advanced security solutions that make up some of the crucial security infrastructure banks require.

What makes a bank safe?

Bank security will typically involve multiple layers of protection. For a bank to be safe it needs to deploy high levels of security and surveillance technology. It also needs to ensure that clear and effective operational protocols are in place to protect employees, customers, assets, and data.

When asking how to make a bank safe, particular attention should be paid to key elements such as access control, surveillance, physical barriers, and emergency procedures.

• Access control

This is essential for managing and restricting entry into sensitive areas within a bank. This may include controlled entry systems such as speed gates, turnstiles, and biometric access controls, that regulate access to different areas of the building. This is particularly important for protecting critical areas such as vaults, behind-the-counter spaces, and management offices.

• Surveillance systems

Banks will usually deploy advanced CCTV and surveillance systems to monitor all activity inside and outside of the bank. High-definition cameras, equipped with high levels of remote monitoring, allow security teams to quickly identify and respond to any suspicious activity in real time.

• Physical barriers

Security doors, reinforced counters, and bulletproof glass are essential to protect bank employees. This is essential in higher-risk, public-facing areas such as teller points. Bulletproof screens and counters create a physical barrier between the bank’s staff and any would-be attacker while ensuring that staff remain accessible to customers and colleagues.

• Automated doors and security gates

Automated doors can facilitate swift lockdowns during emergencies to improve the bank’s overall security response. At the same time, automated doors can also enhance accessibility for customers into permitted areas within the bank. Security gates provide controlled access to key areas of the bank, ensuring that only authorised personnel can enter restricted zones.

• Emergency preparedness

Banks and other financial institutions will usually have well-developed, tested, and evolving emergency procedures in place. These will typically include clear evacuation procedures, automated lockdown capabilities, and a direct connection to the police or other security team.

When asking how to make a bank safe, it’s important to remember that security is multi-faceted and complex, allowing for customer access while ensuring high levels of protection.

Why is it important to keep a bank safe?

Historically, banks have been considered safe places with very high levels of security. As they protect assets on behalf of their customers and form a pivotal role in the global economy, a strong security strategy is essential.

Banks handle significant amounts of cash, valuable assets, and sensitive financial documents. Keeping these safe and secure from theft, robbery, and fraud requires robust security measures. Theft, robbery, and security breaches in banks can quickly have a detrimental impact on the bank’s reputation. As well as eroding hard-won customer trust, it may also have legal and regulatory repercussions that can be costly.

In addition to protecting assets, security breaches can be dangerous for staff and customers. As public-facing institutions banks deal with a high volume of daily foot traffic. Ensuring that customers can freely access public spaces within the bank while maintaining a secure environment is a key security challenge. Physical security measures, such as bulletproof screens and reinforced counters, protect staff from threats and reduce the likelihood of armed robberies. They also help customers to feel safer when conducting banking activities.

If a bank experiences a security breach or a robbery, the consequences for its reputation can be considerable. It may also temporarily jeopardise its ability to carry on its business operations. For all of these reasons, banks and other financial institutions must have a clear, comprehensive security strategy in place.

How can I make my bank more secure?

When asking how to make a bank safe, it’s important to think in terms of a multi-layered approach. As well as surveillance and proactive threat detection systems, a range of physical security measures are essential to ensure protection against a wide range of threats.

• Automated doors

Automated doors improve both convenience and security in banks. Automated door systems from Safetell, help you control access to certain areas, lockdown in emergencies, and restrict access based on employee credentials. They not only help in controlling access but can also support a coordinated response during an emergency.

• Speed gates

Speed gates provide a secure and efficient way to manage customer and employee access, particularly in high-traffic areas. Speed gates are available in a range of options, including square cab, round cab, and two-tone square cab, to suit different logistic and aesthetic requirements.

• Bulletproof screens and counters

One of the most vulnerable areas in a bank is the teller counter, with employees frequently handling large amounts of money. Screens and counters that include bulletproof, anti-physical attack glass, such as Safeshield Specialist Glazing, act as a physical barrier between tellers and their potential attackers.

Maximum bank security with Safetell

At Safetell, we work with banks and other financial institutions to ensure that they have the security tools they need to maintain the integrity of their building and operations. In this high-risk sector, security is essential for the business, the staff, and the customers.

Our unique portfolio of products and services have been developed to meet the evolving needs of our clients. They have been tried and tested for over 30 years and are designed to provide full comprehensive levels of protection for employees and company assets, protecting against attacks, intrusions and theft. We’re trusted to deliver for banks and other financial institutions based on our strong track record.

Contact us to discuss your safety and security needs and to find out more about our products.