Leeds cash machine warning after regional detectives target gang
“We are urging members of the public to be vigilant”
Cash machine users are being warned to be vigilant after detectives from the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit targeted a gang suspected of fitting ‘cash traps’ to ATMs.
Officers from YHROCU’s Proactive Economic Crime Team made three arrests when they executed warrants in Manchester and London as part of an operation targeting an organised criminal group suspected of involvement in this type of crime.
Offences have been reported across England, Scotland and Wales, but the majority have been in the Yorkshire and Humber region.
Discreet ‘cash traps’ have been attached to ATMs so that when a victim makes a withdrawal, their account is debited but the money doesn’t appear to be dispensed from the machine and is trapped in the concealed device, which the offenders later recover.
Three men, aged 30, 34, and 46, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to steal and possession of articles intended to commit fraud.
Two have been released on bail while enquiries continue, and a third was remanded in custody after being found to be unlawfully present in the UK in breach of a previous deportation order.
Detective Sergeant Sam Harding, of YHROCU’s Proactive Economic Crime Team, said: “We are urging members of the public to be vigilant when using cash machines given these recent offences. Before making a withdrawal, people should check the machine for any unusual attachments, loose fittings or signs that it may have been tampered with.
“If cash does not dispense but your account is debited, report the matter to your bank immediately and contact Report Fraud or your local police force.
“We are continuing to work with our partner in the banking industry to deter and detect this type of offending while taking a proactive approach to targeting the criminal gangs behind it.”