Security is one of the main areas HSBC is addressing in its local branch refurbishment programme.
Apart from upgrading the branches to group corporate standards, HSBC Bank Malta Health, Safety and Security Manager Michael Cassar said the HSBC Group aimed "to provide a better and safer environment for our customers and staff".
The new branch design and layout, while enhancing security, also "provides for a more comfortable and professional environment for our customers and better customer service", he added. "Our new branch design includes a reception to assist customers on entering the branch, personal service desks for clients and a higher degree of automated services."
The main feature of the new branch security concept is for "all cash transactions (to) take place in a secure area", Mr Cassar said. "The counter has been withdrawn to the rear of the branch, as far away from the door as possible. The new teller counters, doors and partitioning are anti-ballistic.
"Access to the back office is controlled by electronic access systems. Transport of bulk cash is made through a bulk cash transfer unit, which ensures cash deliveries to the back office areas are done without the need to open the anti-ballistic doors.
"Staff are equipped with mobile, radio personal attack alarms and we are also introducing `exploding` money dye packs. There is CCTV coverage both outside and within the branch itself. The CCTV systems are being linked to our new security control room in Qormi."
The bank gives great importance to security, health and safety, setting up a Security, Health and Safety Committee made up of a number of the bank`s senior executives, who meet every other month to discuss and review strategy.
Because of the nature of its business, Mr Cassar said HSBC is conscious of the "critical need to have a safe and secure environment", making a substantial investment in state-of-the-art equipment.
"Branches have high definition cameras taking still shots and motion video," he said. "These cameras take two shots per second and we normally have 14-16 cameras per branch.
"Another feature which is part of our security system is that we use a digital image management system whereby all images of all the cameras will be recorded simultaneously. This would provide comprehensive evidence for the police should a raid occur."
The link to Qormi ensures that any incidents are recorded remotely. "All criminal raids on branches are based on the element of surprise," Mr Cassar said. "With this remote link a `hold-up` can be viewed `live` from the control room itself.
"This will cut down their element of surprise from two or three minutes to a few seconds. Furthermore, cameras can be remotely focused onto the criminals and the number of frames per second increased. This may provide timely information for the police."