The Nation Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited (NCB) has adjusted its automated banking machine (ABM) network following a string of robberies that temporarily affected services at the company’s banking machines.

The latest report said that a security guard was beaten during an attempted robbery at a NCB ATM in Mandeville last week. Prior to that incident, there was the theft of J$10 million at a Jamaica National Bank (JN) at Portmore Pines Plaza late last month. That incident left on Beryllium security guard dead and two others injured.

Another robbery also took place in Portmore last week Sunday (March 19) that saw a team of Beryllium security guards come under attack from gun-toting robbers at a Scotiabank along Braeton Parkway.  Four security personnel were injured during the resulting shootout.

NCB announced today (March 27) that the adjustments to the ABMs are a part of an ongoing review of the risk profile at each location. The changes were said to have been made in consultations with service providers, law enforcement, and other authorities.

“Our aim is to ensure the safety of customers, employees, and service providers. NCB will be continuously reviewing its ABM network and making changes on a case-by-case basis; these changes may include the temporary closure of some of its previously 24/7 machines at night and/or the permanent closure of locations. ABMs that were previously subject to vandalism or theft have not been replaced,” the bank said in a press release today.

Speaking about the adjustments, Danielle Cameron Duncan, head of payments services and digital channels, commented on the unfortunate impact of rising ABM attacks, including theft and vandalism, on Jamaicans’ access to ABMs and their money.

“We understand the inconvenience these changes may cause our customers, but we must prioritise their safety and security above all else,” she said.

Safety tips for customers

Customers are encouraged by the bank to make purchases using their credit, debit, and prepaid cards or Lynk. Additionally, customers are encouraged to conduct bill payments, transfers, and mobile phone top-ups via online banking and the mobile app.

NCB has also provided safety tips for customers who use ABMs at jncb.com/getdigital/safe.html, including being aware of their surroundings before, during, and after using an ABM, shielding the keypad when entering their PIN, and not sharing their PIN. Customers are also advised to be extremely vigilant and not to click on suspicious links and to report any fraudulent activity immediately to [email protected]

“We remain committed to providing our customers with convenient access to their funds through our ABMs and continuously work to strike the right balance between safety and convenience, but safety will always be our top priority.” Cameron Duncan added.