Harrogate Police have issued a warning to the public after a number of suspicious devices were found on a cash machine in Harrogate.
Officers are urging people to be extra-vigilant when withdrawing money after the devices were found attached to a cash point in the Leeds Road area of the town.
The suspicious devices have been recovered by the police and enquiries are ongoing to establish who is responsible for attaching them to the cash machine.
Three members of the public have had amounts between £50 and £350 taken from their bank accounts.
PC David Mackay, of Harrogate police, said: I want to take this opportunity to raise awareness around cash point safety in our area.
We have recovered the devices that have been concealed on a cash point in the town. I would urge the public to have a good look at cash points before you use them and if you see anything that is out of place or that looks suspicious, please contact the police.
Officers have offered the following crime prevention advice to the public to help protect them from cash point fraud:
- Have a look at the cash point and see if there is anything which looks out of place, or any suspicious additions to the machine
- Always shield your PIN with your spare hand
- Check who is in the vicinity of the cash point and be aware of who is around you
- Make regular checks of your bank account for any unauthorised withdrawals
- Contact your bank and the police if you believe you have been a victim
If anyone has any information about the devices, or has seen anything suspicious in or around the Leeds Road area of Harrogate, please contact the police or Crimestoppers with information.
Anyone who can help officers with their enquiries is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 – select option 2 – and ask for PC Dave Mackay or Harrogate police.
Alternatively, information can be emailed to david.mackay@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk
If you prefer not to give your name, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
