Crooks fitted an illegal card-swallowing device on a cash machine in Ellesmere Port.

The worrying discovery was made at the ATM on Ledsham Road near the traffic lights on Sunday (October 23).

The victim's card appeared to be swallowed after they entered their pin, but the scammers later removed the card and used the pin number which they filmed being inputted on a special camera to withdraw money from the Post Office on the A41.

Warning

Now Ellesmere Port Local Policing Unit are urging members of the public to be vigilant when using cash machines.

An officer wrote on their Facebook page: "Always cover your pin when entering! Whilst some read your card, the one in this instance held the victim's card from coming back out.

"No need to panic and cancel cards. Just check your accounts as you should anyway."

Anyone suspicious about this kind of crime is advised to call Cheshire police on 101.