BANK customers using cash machines are being urged to stay on the lookout after debit cards were cloned and money withdrawn from customers accounts without their knowledge.

Several incidents have been reported to police after a device was planted on an automatic teller machine (ATM) outside Barclays Bank in the High Street, Lingfield.

The device fits over the card reader and can be very hard to spot. When customers use the ATM, it allows criminals to record their card details which can later be transferred onto blank cards and used to take money from their accounts.

In one incident a customer who used the machine noticed that within minutes there were three unauthorised withdrawals from their account at a nearby petrol station totalling £750.

A further two customers reported unauthorised transactions of £300 each after using the same machine. Barclays Bank has offered refunds to all those affected and is taking steps to check their ATM machines on a regular basis.

Detective Constable Kerry Akehurst, from Reigate CID, said: "ATM skimming involves fitting a device to a cash-point in order to copy customers' bank details and has become a national problem as this technology develops. It is a despicable crime and we are working closely with the banks to catch the people involved. Members of the public are advised to remain vigilant and check cash machines before using them."

Police have issued the following advice:-

Always check the ATM before inserting your card. If there is ANY sign of a device having been fitted or something unusual about the machine report it to police and the premises in which the ATM is housed.

Always cover the keypad with your hand whenever keying in your PIN

Make sure no-one is paying close attention to your use of the ATM and don't allow anyone to distract you whilst carrying out a transaction

If anything or anyone makes you feel uncomfortable whilst using the machine cancel the transaction and use a machine in another area.

Regularly check your account to make sure there are no unusual transactions and to detect any irregular use at an early stage

Call 101 for all non-emergency policing matters.

Call 999 if you have a genuine emergency requiring the attendance of the police (eg a crime is in progress or someone is in immediate danger).

Call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you have information about crime and don't want to leave your name.