Appeal to cash point users to be vigilant following a number of suspicious incidents

Police are warning cash point users to be extra vigilant following a number of suspicious incidents.
In recent days ATM points in Meir and Blythe Bridge have been targeted by thieves who have tampered with the machines to extract cash.
The offenders are fitting a cash trap which prevents cash from being withdrawn. As the customer cannot obtain money they walk away - believing the ATM to be
out of order - only for the offenders, who are standing close by, to take the device off and obtain the customer’s cash.
Several cash point users have reported the matter to police and an investigation is now underway. Officers want to hear from anyone else who may have been stung by this scam.
ATM machines targeted so far include the one at the Post Office, Uttoxeter Road in Blythe Bridge and at Britannia Building Society on Weston Road, Meir. Both machines have been repaired by authorised personnel.
Inspector Steve Maskrey said: “We would like to hear from any other person who may have fallen victim to this type of scam.
“Such crime will not be tolerated by Staffordshire Police and we are determined to bring those offenders responsible to justice.
“I would like to take this opportunity to remind people to be extra vigilant when using any cash point and to remember to cover your pin number and be aware of who is around you at all times.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Sgt Mark Churton on 0300 123 4455 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.