Bank staff are ‘vulnerable to random attacks’

A BANK official who survived three terrifying armed raids has revealed the trauma staff endure during and after such incidents.

But the official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said many feel random attacks by drug-addled opportunists are more dangerous than raids planned with precision by either criminal or paramilitary gangs.

A long-serving member of the profession, the man was speaking ahead of this weekend’s Irish Banking Officials’ Association annual conference, where a number of delegates plan motions on the issue of security for staff.

IBOA chief executive Larry Broderick said he hoped to meet with the Government and representatives from the various banks to discuss the issue.

Politicians are also concerned about a claimed increase in the number of raids on banks. Fianna Fáil’s Seán Ardagh wants bankers to speak before the Dáil justice committee he chairs.

The Irish Bankers’ Federation said its members have not received an invite but would “consider constructively” any request to co-operate with the Dáil.

Dozens of bank staff have needed counselling following raids over the years. The official said the fear of being physically injured was not as bad as the feeling of helplessness when at the mercy of armed raiders.

The official said he has seen how robberies have changed over the years, from the paramilitary raids of the 70s and 80s to the more random attacks of the present day, some carried out by dangerously unpredictable drug addicts.

“My view is that there has been an increase. What would worry me is the increase in the random type it’s more frightening because the person is more unpredictable, whether armed with a syringe or a gun,” he said.

He said the risks faced by bank staff should be treated more seriously. “I do not think the risks are recognised in general and by employers, they do not receives the proper attention.”