Police have warned people to stay "vigilant" when using a cash machine, after seeing ATM users targetted by criminals.
Cheshire Police issued the warning after recieving reports of attempted thefts at cash machines in Warrington and Runcorn. Similar incidents have also taken place in Helsby, just outside of Ellesmere Port, and in Chester.
They reported at around 10.30am, a person using a Tesco cash machine in Helsby was approached by a man from behind, who began to engage them in conversation.
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The man then told the cash machine user the machine isn't working, and said to press various buttons. This made the person confused and distracted, giving the man an opportunity to steal the bank card or cash.
Cheshire Police have warned that cash machine users "be aware of who is around them" when using one of the machines.
Seargeant Andrew Davies, of Cheshire Police, said: "We have received numerous reports of a man targeting vulnerable people at cash machines in an attempt to confuse and distract them by saying the ATM isn’t working in order to steal their bank card or money.
"While we review CCTV footage to identify this man I want to remind people to be aware of who may be around them, or might start engaging in conversation with them, and to report any suspicious looking behaviour.
"If you believe you may have been a victim of this type of crime and have information that could help with the investigation please report it to police."
Information can be provided by visiting the Cheshire Constabulary website https://www.cheshire.police.uk/tell-us or by calling 101.
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