Rising number of thefts in places in southern belt of the country have led banks to increase the number of safety deposit lockers. The rising demand of these lockers from customers has led banks to add more lockers in their branches.

"Nobody wants small lockers. Everyone wants medium or large lockers. Earlier, only corporate houses sought large lockers," said Gopal Gusain, the Chennai circle head of PNB. This need is an indicative of the increasing consumption of gold amongst people.

"On an average, over 30% of investors are seeking large lockers," said an official from Andhra Bank.

The rent on lockers has however not been increased much by banks.