Lockers- safe or not?
Safe Deposit Lockers were considered to be the most reliable
option for the storage of cash, jewels and other valuables until the recent
Union Bank of India Robbery case in February 2018. The robbers emptied 26
lockers of the bank. Now many people have become sceptical and rethinking on
the same?
Of course, when it comes to comparing with home safes and
safe deposit lockers, the latter is always preferable. With all the multiple
layers of security checks and the surveillance they provide, they seem to be a
safe option. We just need to keep in mind that mishaps can happen anywhere,
anytime. And like everything else, renting a locker has its pros and cons.
Pros
•
Multiple
layers of security checks and surveillance ensures the safety of our valuables
most of the time.
•
The
secure infrastructure of the banks restricted and monitored entry and exit by
the security guards and other sensors along with the presence of CCTV cameras
in almost all the banks adds to the level of security of the valuables.
•
It
is always an economical option compared to other ones available, like private
lockers and secure self-storage.
Cons
•
Even
with the updated security infrastructure and surveillance, it seems the
burglars always find a way out! According to the Union Ministry of Finance,
theft and burglary accounted for a loss of Rs 1.81 billion in 51 Indian banks
from 2014-17. Quite an amount that is!
•
Recently,
the RBI stated that the relationship between the bank and the customer in case
of a locker is that of a lesser and lessee. It infers that the bank is only
renting out a place for you to keep your valuables. Doesn’t necessarily mean
the bank is responsible for any of your losses just in case.
•
The
lockers only operate for a limited time, so in case of an emergency, you might
have to wait for the bank to open unless you know the manager too well!
•
Usually,
the Indian banks provide medium and large-sized lockers, and since the system typically
operates on the early bird basis, you might not always get what you want.
Are there any better
option available?
So now that you are familiar with both the facets of the
coin, i.e. advantages and disadvantages of lockers, you must be keen to look
out for any other alternative option available.
Of course, there are many other options available - private
lockers, secure storage units, secure self-storage, etc. The most popular among
Indian population is the use of private lockers. Many private companies offer
the facility to rent a locker. These companies provide safe vaults that ensure
secure storage units and the safety of your valuables, jewels, documents etc.
They may be a little costlier than bank lockers, but what is better than the
safety of our precious things?
So, all in one, it can be concluded that the facility of
lockers gives us the security and safety of our valuables and ensures us a
sound sleep, provided we choose wisely as per our requirements.
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