A SPATE of hole in the wall crimes across West Yorkshire has prompted a police alert.

Police are warning members of the public to be on their guard when using cash machines following an increase in reports of ATM scams.

Over the past six months, they have seen a big rise in the number of reports of ‘ATM Skimming’.

Last month there were 25 incidents across the county, compared to just seven the previous month.

Some involve a device being placed over the card machine which stops money being paid out.

A second crime involves a tiny camera fitted to the machine which records PIN numbers, while the third crime sees a device attached to the machine to give the impression that it is a card slot. It records personal banking details which are later used to commit fraud.

Det Insp Steve Taylor of the Force’s Economic Crime Unit, said: “When using an ATM be vigilant.

“If the device you are using doesn't pay out or your cash card is retained and you don't receive a clear message on the ATM screen as to why, then report this immediately to the bank”.