New floor markings have been introduced outside several banks in Croydon town centre, to help improve privacy and security for anyone using ATMs.

Croydon Council, Croydon Business Improvement District (BID), and local banks have worked in partnership to introduce vibrant yellow markings. These will create a clear privacy zone around ATMs at Barclays, Lloyds, HSBC and Halifax banks.

This prevents crowding and reducing the risk of ‘shoulder surfing’, where someone may attempt to observe another person’s transaction.

The partnership to install the markings is part of a series of successful initiatives undertaken by the Council’s town centre taskforce, which is listening to residents to make Croydon cleaner, safer and healthier for everyone. This is a key priority of Jason Perry, the Executive Mayor of Croydon.

Statutory, community and voluntary sector organisations in the borough are working together to help clean up hotspot areas and address antisocial behaviour, by working sensitively with all those involved.

Anyone who sees antisocial behaviour in Croydon can report it anonymously to the police via 101.

Concerns about someone who is sleeping on the streets can be reported to StreetLink which will connect them with local services.

Shaun Webster, Director of Operations, Croydon BID, said: “Ensuring people feel safe and secure when visiting Croydon town centre is a key priority for Croydon BID. These new ATM floor markings are a simple yet effective measure to provide greater privacy and give people more confidence when using ATMs. We’re proud to have worked in partnership with Croydon Council and local banks to deliver this initiative, which is part of our ongoing commitment to making the borough a more welcoming place for everyone.”

Parminder Kanda, from Croydon’s North End Barclays Bank, added: “The markings at our cash machines have definitely helped customers by providing personal space and privacy when using ATMs. They have also helped deter individuals who may linger nearby asking for money. Overall, this is a positive step toward reducing distraction fraud at ATMs.”

“This is a great example of how the Council’s town centre taskforce is listening to residents to improve our borough. We hope that anyone who needs to use the ATMs at these locations now feels more confident that they can do so safely.”

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon