Cashpoint warning

POLICE across the borough are warning the public to be on their guard when at cashpoints.

They have recently seen an increase in distraction theft at cashpoints in busy town centres like Ilford.

Thieves, who usually work in groups of about three, are working together to distract the customer. One member of the group hovers over the shoulder of the unsuspecting victim making a mental note of their pin number.

Another person distracts the victim by running up to them with some money claiming they have dropped it. While the victim's attention is taken away from the cash machine, a third member snatches the card from the machine.

The victim is left thinking their card has been swallowed by the machine, and enters the bank for help. Meanwhile the thieves calmly walk off with their cash card and PIN number.

Police recommend that people should be very aware of everything around them while drawing out cash.

DS Kevin Orm from Ilford police has seen a trend in this type of crime being committed by people of Eastern European origin in particular.

He said: "Customers should have a good look round and check who is behind them in the queue or look to see if there are groups of people loitering."

12:48 Thursday 8th August 2002

Printer Friendly Format

Send This Page To A Friend

• Are you a born comedian?
• Have you memories of Oakdale infants?
• Ban for director