Lockers: This is what customers should be aware of

After the spectacular break-ins in Mödling, Klosterneuburg (Tulln district) and Vienna, many questions remain unanswered – such as how the perpetrator or perpetrators were able to overcome the electronic system.

But even for customers who have valuables stored in bank safes, many questions now arise. The individual banks have different regulations with their customers, says Manfred Neubauer, consumer protection officer of the Chamber of Labor in Lower Austria, in an interview with ORF.

noe.ORF.at: Mr. Neubauer, how is the general liability of banks for the stolen contents of lockers regulated?

Manfred Neubauer: The bank will be liable, but it will limit its liability in terms of amount because it is allowed to do so. We’re talking about 3,000 to 4,000 euros in liability. This is of course not very much, because there will likely be more valuables in the lockers.

noe.ORF.at: Can customers take out additional higher insurance for their lockers?

Neubauer: Banks used to offer this type of insurance, but now they don’t like it that much. That means, as a customer, you have to look privately to see whether you can insure your valuables additionally. A burglary at home is often covered by household insurance. That said, I might be able to get insurance for my valuables in a locker too.

noe.ORF.at: In the event of a claim, it is probably good to be able to prove what was in the locker. What is your advice on this?

Neubauer: Everything should be documented – for example with invoices, if they still exist, or with photos or receipts that you may still have. Everything you have in terms of documentation is important so that you are credible and can prove everything.

noe.ORF.at: What about savings accounts when they are stolen from lockers? Do you have to fear that these deposits are gone, especially with anonymous savings accounts?

Neubauer: If the thief does not know the password, he cannot withdraw anything. He needs legitimation and the password. The savings books, regardless of whether they are a carrier savings book or a normal name savings book, are well secured.

noe.ORF.at: Despite this current series of burglaries, is it better to keep your valuables in a safe deposit box and not at home?

Neubauer: Burglaries in apartments and houses are much more common and a burglary at home also causes damage from vandalism, such as broken doors. To put it casually, I would say: I prefer someone breaking into the bank than my home. I think a locker is safer than keeping everything at home.

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