635 Incidents Reported Last Year Alone

On average, two cash machines each day are being targeted by criminals, according to cash machine operator Link.

635 incidents were reported to the police last year, a rise of 17% compared to 2007. Figures that have been released have also shown that fraud in cash machines cost £37 million in 2007 alone.

In response to this, rewards of £25,000 are being offered to anyone that has any tip-offs about cash machine crimes.

Most of these crimes involve a skimming machine being fitted to cash machines in order to copy customer’s card details, and miniature cameras being fitted to record people typing in their PIN numbers. These details can then be used to create fake debit cards and used in other machines.

‘Cracking Down Hard’

“We are urging the public to pass on information that they may have about cash machine crime, for example card skimming or physical attacks on cash machines themselves,” said Graham Mott from Link.

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

John Folan, Detectie Chief Inspector of the Dedicated Cheque and Plastic Crime Unit (DCPCU) has also said: “Tackling cash machine fraud is a continuing priority for the DCPCU, and a joined-up initiative of this nature has our full support.

“Any relevant information should be passed through Crimestoppers will be used to help track down and arrest those responsible – which will not only disrupt criminal activity but also send out a clear message that we are cracking down hard on those carrying out crimes of this nature.”

What Do You Think?

What do you think should be done to help tackle this crime? Have you ever been targeted by cash machine fraud? What do you advise other people to do if they find themselves in the same position? Let us know. Leave your comments here.