Cheshire: Sandbach police warn public to be vigilant at ATM machines

September 25, 2012, 11:00 am

Sandbach Police are urging members of the public to be vigilant when drawing cash from a cash machine.

The warning follows ATM machines in Elworth being tampered with by fraudsters.

The offenders placed a cloning device in a machine outside the Co-Op in Lawton Way approximately eight to 14 days ago.

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PC Sarah Brockley said: “We have had eight reports of people discovering that after using the cash machine they had around £200 to £300 taken out of their accounts. The transactions appear to be made from Australia.”

In some cases banks were able to stop the transaction before it was completed and cancel the card, and in other cases the banks refunded the money.

PC Brockley said: “The device is relatively unnoticeable and is a portable device which is attached to the ATM.

“Thankfully an off duty police officer spotted a device at the cash machine at the Co-Op in Middlewich Road and seized it. We have not had any reports of fraud at that machine, possibly because it was spotted by the officer before anyone fell victim.”

Police are checking CCTV and appealing for anyone who may have seen someone acting suspiciously near the cash machines in Lawton Way or Middlewich Road over the past month to contact PC Sarah Brockley on 101.

Information can be given anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

PC Brockley added: “As it appears that fraudsters are in the area we would advise vigilance.

“Always check the cash machine before you use it, if you spot anything unusual, or there signs it has been tampered with, do not use it. Report it to the bank concerned immediately.”