By James MortlockPOLICE have warned the public to be on their guard for tiny cameras attached to cash machines following a fresh spate of fraud.They said the digital cameras were being used with “skimmer” devices, which are also attached to the machines, to read card information and film pin numbers.

By James Mortlock

POLICE have warned the public to be on their guard for tiny cameras attached to cash machines following a fresh spate of fraud.

They said the digital cameras were being used with “skimmer” devices, which are also attached to the machines, to read card information and film pin numbers.

The warning was made following an incident at a cash machine outside Tesco in Fordham Road, Newmarket, at about 1pm on Friday.

A man went to use the machine and became suspicious when his card jammed. He was forced to remove it using his fingertips, but later discovered several hundred pounds had been withdrawn from his account at various locations in Essex.

Two hours later, a woman tried to take cash from her account at the same outlet. She also became suspicious when she noticed a piece of black plastic was lodged in the lip of the machine, but inserted her card anyway.

The woman also later discovered that large quantities of cash had been taken from her account, again from locations across Essex.

Sudbury police also received reports of similar offences at the town's Tesco supermarket on Friday.

Suffolk police crime reduction officer, Les King, said “skimming” devices had been fitted to a number of machines.

“The things they attach to the machines that read the cards look very convincing - they are very devious because they look just the same,” he warned.

“They read information and send it to a nearby laptop and the gangs use cameras positioned above the keypad to read the pin numbers.”

Police warned the public to be extra vigilant and urged anyone using a cash machine to run their finger over the card slot to ensure there were no objects lodged inside.

“People should examine machines very closely and look for cameras. If they are at all suspicious, the matter should be reported to the bank or the police,” said Mr King.

Anyone with information about the Sudbury incidents should contact Mr King on 01284 774313 and anyone with information about the Newmarket incidents should contact 01284 774100.

james.mortlock@eadt.co.uk