West Yorkshire Police are asking residents of Headingley and Hyde Park to be vigilant when the withdrawing cash from local ATM machines. Four camera devices have been found in the past few weeks attached to ATM machines in these  areas. These carefully disguised devices are fixed above the cash machines and video record users inputting codes into the machine through a pin hole camera. This information is later used to defraud the customer. West Yorkshire Police are investigating these incidents and ask for any suspicious devices or behaviour around cash machines to be reported to us immediately.

University PC Mark Bottomley gives the following advice:

Always cover the keypad when entering your PIN with your hand.

If you notice anything unusual, odd or different about the machine or there are signs of tampering; do not use it, report it to the bank immediately and don’t let others use the machine.

If your cash or cards get trapped within the machine, report it to the bank immediately.

Stand close to the machine to avoid prying eyes over your shoulder and challenge anyone stood too close to you.

Don’t let any strangers distract you when at the ATM.

Always put your cash and card away before leaving the cash machine and never leave a receipt behind.

Finally always check your bank statements, fraudsters often will use low value transactions in an attempt to hide their thefts over a long period of time. Immediately notify your card company if something appears wrong.”