POLICE in Castlereagh are advising members of the public to take extra care when withdrawing money from ATMs in the area after a suspected skimming device was recovered from a cash machine in Kings Square, East Belfast yesterday.

Inspector Roberta Morris said, “I appeal to anyone who was in the Kings Square area between Friday evening or early on Saturday morning and noticed anyone acting suspiciously to contact police at Castlereagh Police Station on the non-emergency number 101. Information can also be passed anonymously via the Crimestoppers Charity on 0800 555 111.

“If you notice anything attached to an ATM which looks out of place, do not touch it, stop the transaction immediately and alert police as well as the bank.”

“Skimming devices can be attached to a cash machine by criminals to enable them to copy information from your bank card so they can remove money from your account.”

Police advise customers to follow the advice below to ensure safe transactions;

• Make sure you hide your pin number while at an ATM as criminals may be watching;

• Be aware of your surroundings. If you are talking on a phone or wearing headphones you can’t take in what is going on around you;

• Cardholders should also guard their personal identification number (PIN) more carefully and be aware that any form of distraction or assistance while they are using an ATM could mean someone is trying to steal their dispensed money or their card.

• If someone tries to distract you and you feel unsure – cancel the ATM transaction.

• Do not be complacent – a robbery can occur in crowded environments, not just deserted streets.

Anyone who would like further advice or has information in relation to skimming devices should contact their local police on the non-emergency number 101.