POLICE in South Ribble are urging people to be on their guard when using hole-in-the-wall cash machines.

The warning comes after thieves installed camouflaged equipment on cash machines to steal card and pin numbers. They work by putting a 'card skimmer' on the front of the card slot and a secret camera, usually disguised as a leaflet holder, is attached to the machine. Then they sit in wait.

Police warn people not to use machines if they see anything unusual, and they advise people to check bank statements thoroughly, check debit card transactions on mini-statements and be vigilant when withdrawing cash.