In the last few days in both Gloucester and Cheltenham, Police have received reports of offenders attempting to distract people withdrawing money from ATM Cash Machines.

This could be an attempt to see the PIN number that is used and then to steal the card by distracting the person using the machine when the card is returned.

On several occasions offender advised the user that the machine was causing problems and a specific key had to be held down whilst putting in the PIN number, it was subsequently established that money had been withdrawn on the account and not by the user.

Always be aware of who is around you when withdrawing cash from a machine. Make sure that no one else can see you when you are putting in your PIN number by standing too close behind you or off to one side.

Do not let anyone standing nearby influence you on how you use the machine, or try to speak to you and distract you when using the machine. Do not forget to take the cash as well as your card as both will be returned into the machine if left too long.

If you believe that someone else has managed to obtain your PIN number or the machine does not return your card, inform your bank immediately and have your card cancelled.

If you suspect that something has been added to the cash machine please contact the Police on 101 and report the problem.

This is the end of the message, Thank You and Please Stay Safe.