Chase to shut down 24-hour access to some ATMs in New York City due to crime
NEW YORK (WABC) -- Chase announced it is shutting down 24-hour access to some of its ATMs in New York City.
According to a tweet by the company, several ATMs will close at the same time as the branches, which is around 5 or 6 p.m.
The bank says the decision was made due to rising crime and vagrancy.
Some New Yorkers who spoke to Eyewitness News said they understood the move and have seen people sleeping and trying to take shelter in vestibules.
There was mixed reaction to the announcement on social media, with some calling for Chase to refund ATM fees to customers who have to use non-Chase ATMs after-hours.
However, Mayor Eric Adams was asked about the decision to scale back the ATM hours and said he needs support to help clean things up.
"How about, people don't want to walk into their ATM and see someone urinating, see someone screaming and yelling - people don't want to go through that," Adams said. "And that is what I'm saying I need to stop. I don't want my ATMs closing down. I don't want people leaving our city. We have to create an environment where people are safe and feel safe."
An adjunct professor with John Jay College of Criminal Justice, who has 30+ years with the NYPD, said the move by Chase is understandable.
"I'm a little surprised but I do understand where banks are coming from, their perspective, robbery year to date is up," Prof. Michael Alcazar said. "In Chicago, Mayor Lightfoot is telling people don't carry cash."
The New York Bankers Association released the following statement:
"Ensuring the safety and security of customers and employees has always been a top priority of the banking industry. While we have not conducted a recent survey of our members on this topic, as issues arise NYBA and our members evaluate possible trends with the intention of working with banks, law enforcement and the local community toward solutions."
There is no word yet on which locations will be impacted.
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