Cash machine card retaining device - Sevenoaks

A card retaining device (loop) was discovered on the card insert slot of the ATM at Barclays Bank, The Square, Sevenoaks at about 6.00pm Wednesday 13 October.

A member of the public (not local) successfully used the machine to get cash but had some difficulty in getting his card back out of the slot. As he pulled the card free a false fascia attached to the machine also came free. As the bank customer was looking at the device another man appeared, took it from him and ran off.

Sgt Michael Perryman said: “Although we have not had reports about this sort of device for a while it is worth reminding people to keep following crime reduction advice before using cash machines.”

Crime reduction advice from police is that people should check that there is nothing untoward with a cash machine before they use it. Check around the insert slot in particular to ensure a false front has not been stuck on to the machine.

Cardholders should not allow themselves to be distracted when using cash machines and should keep their card in sight at all times. Advice is to take care not to let anyone see you entering your pin number. If you have any suspicions about the machine do not use it and report the matter.

Cardholders should keep their card in sight at all times when making a transaction.

Financial crime reduction reminder

West Kent Police are issuing a reminder to people not to give any information about their bank accounts or credit cards to anyone over the telephone.

The reminder comes after a man in Tunbridge Wells reported to police that on Wednesday 13 October at about 5.00pm he took a call from a woman who said she was from ‘his bank’. The woman did not say what bank it was but asked the man questions about his credit cards wanting to know about the account numbers. The man became suspicious and put the phone down. His bank confirmed that no-one had been trying to contact him.