Thieves have eye on cash

Apr 4 2008 by Rebecca Edwards, Chester Chronicle

SCAMMERS set up a camera above a cash machine to record card details and PINs.

A customer at Tesco on Frodsham Square noticed the device above the machine on Monday and alerted staff, who in turn contacted police who seized the skimmer.

Detective Sergeant Barry Brown, of Chester Inner Neighbourhood Policing Unit, said: “The machine is effectively a small camera and reader which records the details of any card used in the machine and also shows the offenders the pin numbers typed in at the ATM.

“We are currently carrying out forensic tests on the device.”

He added: “This is a high-tech method of stealing money as it gives the thieves direct access to people’s bank accounts.

“I want to make everyone in Chester aware of the potential threat posed by skimming machines and would ask that everyone is vigilant.

“Before using a machine check around it to make sure there isn’t anything attached which looks suspicious.

“Many banks now have stickers on their machines showing what a skimming device could look like.”

To report anything suspicious contact Cheshire Police on 0845 458 0000.