Vanimo banks close over robbery threats
Fri Aug 01, 2008 12:00pm
The two banks in the border town of Vanimo in Sandaun province did
not open for business this morning following robbery threats.
The Bank South Pacific branch in Vanimo did not open for normal
business together with the Westpac Branch.
The Bank South Pacific branch put out public notices at the entrances
of the bank and the only Automatic Teller Machine that the bank has
been closed until further notice.
It said the closure was due to confirmed reports of criminals
connected with previous BSP robberies in Kerema and Madang being
sighted in the town with specific threats to rob the Vanimo branch.
The bank is urging members of the community and authorities to take
responsibility to rid the community of these criminals so that the
bank can operate in a safe environment.
Customers have been advised that purchases and cash out can still be
made with local merchants using EFTPOS machines.
The Westpac branch in town did not put any notice out for its
customers but it had a closed sign on its door when trading hours were
to begin at 9 o'clock this morning.
The threats of bank robbery in Vanimo have been circulating in the
little town over the last few weeks and police are understood to be on
full alert after receiving intelligence reports. |
