NatWest is one of the biggest High Street banks in the UK but it is shutting its branch in West Norwood after a series of attacks on staff in recent years.
So what do local people make of their neighbourhood being branded a "health and safety" risk?
Ria Chatterjee has been finding out.
– Met Police statementWe work with the banking industry to reduce crime.
The Flying Squad is dedicated to tackling all commercial robberies in London and have been successful in reducing the number of incidents by 11% this year (comparing April-November 2012 with April-November 2011).
The incident of business robbery in Lambeth has also seen a 30% reduction in 2012 compared to 2011.
The decision to close the bank is a decision for Natwest.
NatWest in West Norwood is closing to preserve the health and safety of its customers and staff. The bank is worried about crime in the area.
A high street bank has shut one of its branches in south London, claiming the area is unsafe for its staff.
But locals say their businesses will suffer after the closure of the NatWest in West Norwood.
NatWest has closed its West Norwood branch, which opened in 1896, after staff became victims of crime for the seventh time in 11 years.
There was no warning to customers ahead of the decision to remove all the bank machines but a notice in the window claims the closure is for the 'health and safety of staff and customers', the Sunday Express has said.
NatWest said it had taken the decision in the interests of the safety of customers, staff and the community.
The decision has come after a spate of muggings near cash dispensers at NatWest and Barclays, now the street's only bank.
Police are looking into possible links with another stabbing in South London on Friday. The incident happened around lunchtime in West Norwood. A 17 year old was injured and is in a stable condition in hospital.
One man has been arrested over this attack, and continues to be questioned by police.