ATM advice as reward of £25k is offered to help catch criminals

REWARDS of up to £25,000 have been offered to anyone who can help police catch the people behind a suspected card-skimming operation in Derbyshire.

The money has been supplied by the cash machine network Link, to help stop ATMs being tampered with.

Images from a hidden miniature camera that was installed at a cashpoint, showing people who shielded the keypad as they typed their pin number, and those who did not.

It follows the recent removal of a suspicious device at Tesco in Heanor's High Street.

5% OFF HUMAN HAIR EXTENSIONS - PRINT YOUR VOUCHER TODAY

Beauty Spot Cosmetics (Derby)

View details

Print voucher

Print your voucher and bring into store and claim your discount

Terms: one voucher per transaction

Contact: 01332 418268

Valid until: Friday, May 31 2013

Link is working with independent charity Crime-stoppers to offer rewards for information relating to cash machine crime.

Graham Mott, senior Link spokesman said: "We're urging the public to come forward with any information that they may have about cash machine crime, for example card skimming or physical attacks on cash machines themselves.

"Even something that may sound insignificant could be part of a bigger picture and prove invaluable in convicting someone involved in cash machine crime."

Link has also made available video footage seized from criminals who installed a hidden miniature camera at a cashpoint to film people entering their pin, highlighting the importance of shielding the keypad.

Cash machines are generally very safe to use, says Link, but it has put together a guide on what to look out for when using cash machines.

It suggests scanning the cashpoint area before approaching it and avoiding using the machine if there are suspicious-looking individuals around.

If there appears to have any attachments to the card slot or key pad, do not use it and do not try to remove any devices attached to the machine.

Stand close to the cash machine and shield the keypad with your hand when keying in the pin and report any jammed or retained cards to your bank immediately, ideally while still in front of the machine.

People are also being told to keep their pin number secret. Never reveal the pin to anyone, even from someone claiming to be from your bank or the police, and check the account balance regularly.

Link is urging people to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 with any information, which can be given anonymously without leaving personal details. Police can be contacted on 101.