Cash machines warning after spate of fake devices at Littlehampton, Rustington and Barnham

There have been six reports of suspicious equipment found on ATMs between January 30 and Wednesday, February 8, at filling stations in Littlehampton and Rustington and a convenience store in Barnham.

A card “skimming” device was spotted on a cash machine at the Shell garage on the A259 at Eastfield, Littlehampton on Tuesday. Hours later, at 2.36am on Wednesday, two men were seen to approach the ATM and remove something from it.

Just over a mile away, at the BP filling station at Worthing Road, Rustington, a report of criminal damage to a cash machine overnight was made to police on Wednesday morning. Shortly afterwards a customer who had used the ATM called police to say their card had been cloned and used fradulently.

At Barnham, two incidents of suspicious devices being attached to the Co-op store at The Square were reported on January 31 and February 1. On both days, a suspect was seen running from the scene.

A police spokeswoman said: “Following this spate of reports we are warning members of the public to be alert to any suspicious devices or evidence that cash machines have been tampered with.

“If there are any additional attachments over the card entry slot, do not use the machine and alert the police immediately, as well as informing staff at the premises where the machine is situated.

“If your card gets jammed or retained, report it immediately to your bank or building society. Do not leave the cash point and use your mobile phone to make the call.”

Other advice includes:

- avoid using a cash point if there are suspicious looking people around it;

- always shield your PIN with your hand and stand close when typing it in;

- be aware of your surroundings and make sure others in the queue are a good distance from you;

- be wary of strangers offering help or distracting you whilst using a cash point, even if your card is trapped;

- regularly check your account to make sure there is no suspicious activity.