POLICE today released dramatic photos of a gang thought to be behind the first crime of its type in Huddersfield.

In just one hour, scores of people fell victim to a high-tech gadget which police think has been used to clone cash machine cards.

Customers who used the Nat West cash dispenser at the Asda supermarket on Bradford Road, Huddersfield, between 10am and 11am on Saturday are warned that they risk losing money.

They should contact their bank immediately, as their card details and personal identification numbers - PINs - may have been stolen.

Police forensic experts are studying a miniature camera and card-reading device left behind by the gang after they were rumbled by an eagle-eyed member of the public.

It is thought both the camera and the device are linked to a laptop computer.

The computer - probably being used by a gang member in a car parked nearby - stores the image of the PIN number being tapped into the machine.

Meanwhile, the device copies all the card details, so the card can be cloned. It probably passes the details direct to the computer, too.

With these details, the gang can make copies and use cloned cards and the stolen PIN numbers to get money from other cash dispensers or try to use them in shops.

Huddersfield police today released photos of three members of the four-strong gang caught on CCTV at Asda.

Pc Dave McSweeney, of Huddersfield Police, said: "We believe this is the first time this type of crime has been committed in the town."

He urged bank customers to be alert when using cash machines.

"If you go to a cash machine check your card is going in properly and there's nothing else that looks suspicious," he added.

"If in doubt, just check with the bank and say you're not happy."

Pc McSweeney said customers should always cover the keys with their other hand when they are tapping in their PIN.

"Such a simple precaution will stop a camera or anyone else from seeing your PIN," he said.