ATM fraud alert for Croydon (From Croydon Guardian)

Cash machine fraud alert for Croydon

7:20am Tuesday 22nd March 2011 in News By Harry Miller

Croydon's fraud investigation team are warning residents after a spate of card thefts from ATMs.

Across the borough there has been rise in the amount of people falling fowl of cashpoint fraud.

There have been a number of incidents in the town centre but it is not just localised there.

Detective Sergeant Darren Lovatt said: “We need people to look at the signs, to shield their pin and to make it as hard as possible to be made a victim of fraud.”

Croydon police think a gang of organised criminals is targeting the cashpoints early in the morning and late at night when the branches are closed.

This is so when users have a problem with their card they cannot walk straight into the bank to query it.

DS Lovatt said: “This is organised crime, targeting high street banks and not just in the High Street, it is also happening in Coulsdon, Addiscombe and Thornton heath.”

If you believe you have been a victim get advise on preventing it happening again at www.actionfraud.org.uk or call 0300 123 2040.