The Times of December 1, 2007, reported: "A big sum of money, made up mainly of euro banknotes, was stolen by five robbers in what appears to have been a well-planned, daring hold-up at an HSBC branch in Balzan, at about 12.40 p.m., yesterday."

Further on, the same report also stated that at that time of the month banks are usually busy dealing with the cashing of pension cheques and other transactions.

Later reports suggested that the amount stolen was €1.1 million plus Lm70,000 cash.

A couple of days later, HSBC Malta's CEO Shaun Wallis said HSBC had stepped up security around its banking operations following the hold-up. These measures included the installation of delayed time-lock on each vault and other security measures including an armed guard inside each branch.

It seems that after just one month, Mr Wallis is so sure of himself that his dedicated staff are safe and sound, that HSBC can do away with its promise to employ an armed guard inside each bank branch.

HSBC prides itself with being a world bank and the largest and most efficient bank in Malta. Besides, its CEO is often seen in the papers handing out donations to various organisations and charitable institutions. It baffles me and the rest of the community to see HSBC economising on the security of its long-serving dedicated staff.

On behalf of all HSBC staff, I appeal to the Occupational Health and Safety Authority, to William Portelli, the energetic Malta Union of Bank Employees president, and to the Commissioner of Police to take the matter up with HSBC with immediate effect.