Neighbourhood police in Bradford have put residents on alert following incidents in the city centre, as well as the Keighley and Huddersfield areas.
A police spokesperson said: “There has been a spike in incidents where external cash machines in Bradford city centre have been tampered with by sticking small plastic devices designed to trap the bank card once the transaction has been completed.
“The devices are always installed out of bank opening hours preventing victims from seeking help at the branch straight away.
“Suspects usually loiter in the area and approach the victim once the cash machine fails to return the card.
“The suspects speak to the victim and reassure them that the card is safe inside the cash machine.
“The suspects tell the victim that they will have to come back the next day/on Monday when the branch is open and request the card back.
“The victim leaves the card which is retrieved by the suspect and later used to make purchases.”
A number of card traps have been recovered from various cash machines in Bradford, and similar incidents have been recorded in the Keighley and Huddersfield areas.
The police spokesperson added: “Members of public are asked to be vigilant. If your card has been swallowed for no obvious reason, please contact your bank immediately.
“Alternatively, you can block or temporarily freeze your bank card using the mobile app or telephone banking until it is confirmed that the card is in the possession of your bank as opposed to being trapped in the cash machine.”
Any such incidents are to be reported at the bank or to the police via 101 or westyorkshire.police.uk/LiveChat
