Warning after ATM machines targeted by thieves

Machines on the forecourt of Kitchens Garages, in Trafalgar Street, Burnley, and two machines at Halifax, in Manchester Road, Nelson, have been tampered with over the past seven days. And according to Sgt Shaun Pearson, of Pendle Police, similar incidents have occurred in other parts of Lancashire.

The machines have had “cash traps” attached to them, meaning that money cannot be dispensed or returned into the ATM.

When the customer leaves the scene, thieves can move in to recover the device and the money.

Although it is has not been confirmed if any cash was taken following the Nelson incidents, it has been said that a large amount of money was stolen from the two Yorkshire Bank ATM machines in Burnley on Monday night.

Now, Sgt Pearson has urged anybody that goes through a similar experience to stay by the cash machine, while they make the appropriate phone calls.

He said: “Inevitably if this does happen, then it is a fault with the machine - these incidents are quite rare.

“Usually there is a phone number on the front of the machine, which you can ring, or you can contact your own bank.

“Always ring when you are stood in front of the machine - don’t go into the bank, or the shop, or the petrol station where you are at.”

Insp. Phil Hutchinson, of Burnley Police, warned shoppers to be on their guard for suspicious activity around ATM machines in the town.

He said: “People should remain vigilant with it being a busy time where people are out socialising and drawing out money from cash machines.

“Pay attention and report anything suspicious. If it is anywhere in the town centre we can have CCTV clicked on it in seconds.”

Anybody with any information about the offences in Burnley and Nelson are urged to ring police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.