Targeting Cash Machines

  Good Evening

                We have recently had issues with criminals targeting vulnerable or elderly person whilst they have been taking money out of cash machines. They will generally put something into the slot so that your card gets stuck and be close enough to see you enter your pin. Once your card does not return most people will go and seek help and whilst this happens the criminals will approach the machine and pull your card out with pliers. On other occasions they will simply try to grab the money out of the persons hand once it has been dispensed.

                This has been reported in other areas of Lancashire and fortunately we have not had such incidents in ROSSENDALE, up to now. But it is a timely reminder that it is coming up to the festive period when people are spending more. Criminals are aware of this and will use various methods to steal. If you have the opportunity then pay for your goods with chip and pin or swipe. If you do use the cash machine, if there is anybody hanging around as you approach, then either wait till they have gone or use another cash machine. Check the machine before you use it and if it looks like it has been tampered with then do not use it and report it to the bank or store responsible.

P.C 633 BAXTER