POLICE are warning ATM users to be vigilant after a spate of incidents involving tampered machines. Criminals are using fake machine covers and Lebanese loops, devices that trap cards in machines until the cardholder walks away and the criminal releases i

POLICE are warning ATM users to be vigilant after a spate of incidents involving tampered machines.

Criminals are using fake machine covers and Lebanese loops, devices that trap cards in machines until the cardholder walks away and the criminal releases it, to take card details from innocent users.

On March 1 two men, who the police say they believe to be eastern Europeans, were spotted running away from a machine at Sainsbury's, Letchworth GC, between 10.45am and 10.55am after removing a fake cover.

The first man was white, 5ft 5in tall, had dark hair, distinctively dark eyebrows and large eyes. He wore light coloured trousers and a khaki green puffer jacket.

The second man was also white, wore light trousers, a khaki green body warmer and had dark hair and eyebrows.

The event follows a similar incident at the same store last month, and recently a woman was assaulted as she pulled a Lebanese loop from an ATM machine at Morrisons at Letchworth GC.

A police spokesman said: "If you notice something that is not correct then don't remove it. Go inside and report it to security or staff members."

Anybody with information should call the police crime desk on 01992 533002.