New posters warn of distraction thefts at cash machines

Officers in north Worcestershire are signing the way to the public to protect themselves from distraction thefts at cash machines.

Warning posters are being displayed around the machines in Kidderminster town centre this week and will be rolled out in Redditch and Bromsgrove in due course.

The message to members of the public is that thieves may be operating in the area by trying to distract you and urging caution whilst using the cash machine.

The proactive campaign follows reports of people being targeted while at the machines by tricksters, normally working in pairs, diverting the victim’s attention.

For example, the con artists may point to a bank note on the floor and ask the person if they have dropped it and meanwhile an accomplice will attempt to withdraw money from the machine while their card is still in it or take the card itself.

They may also attempt to get close to you and ask questions, distracting you and allowing another offender to access the machine.

Sarah Sceats, Rural and Business Officers (RABO) for north Worcestershire, came up with the idea of the posters and is working with banks to roll them out across the area.

Sarah said: “While thankfully there have only been a handful of these types of distraction thefts in this area, this tactic is becoming more prevalent nationally, so we are acting now to help protect members of the public from being tricked out of their money at cash machines.

“Working in partnership with local banks, we have designed and printed the new posters to stick next to machines warning people to be cautious whilst using them.

“Our advice is to be mindful of anyone nearby who seems suspicious or who may be trying to distract you and take extra care when at the cash machine.”