POLICE are warning cashpoint customers to be vigilant after thousands of pounds were stolen from Petersfield machines.
The fraud involves inserting a device into a machine which stops the card being read and keeps it in the machine.
The customer thinks the machine has retained the card, but when they leave the thief retrieves the card from the machine to use elsewhere.
The thief also needs the personal identification number (PIN), but this can be obtained by looking over the shoulder of the card owner as they enter the number, or by offering to help get the card out of the machine and asking for the PIN number in the process.
Sergeant Stuart Tripp said there were two incidents in Petersfield last Saturday afternoon and there have been many other similar thefts throughout the county.
ÒIf your card gets stuck in the machine report it to the bank immediately,Ó said Sergeant Tripp. ÒDo not give your PIN number to anyone and be careful of anyone standing close enough to read the number as you enter it.Ó
The Petersfield incidents involved a cashpoint at the One Stop Shop, Charles Street, at 3-50 pm and one at the NatWest Bank in the High Street at 4-20 pm.
Police are appealing for information about anyone who was using either machine at those times. If you were in the queue and can remember others who were there please contact Petersfield police on 0845 045 45 45.
The stolen cards were used to withdraw money at other cashpoints last Saturday, Sunday and Monday.