Police to protect bank rush

PEKANBARU, Riau: Police personnel have been deployed to safeguard private banks in a move anticipating a rush of people wanting to withdraw their money due to fear of computer problems resulting from the millennium changeover widely known as the Y2K bug.

"Since last week, we have been observing an increase in the number of people wanting to withdraw their money from banks. That's why we are fielding our troops to protect bank customers who walk away with huge amounts of money," Riau Police spokesman Maj. S. Pandiangan said.

Pandiangan warned that it was dangerous and risky to keep a large amount of cash at home.

"People should not be easily provoked by the rumors," he said as quoted by Antara.

Pandiangan said the police protection was free of charge.

"Many people still think that if they ask for the police's help, they have to pay for the service," he said. (emf)