POLICE have issued an appeal for witnesses after a card fraud machine was found in a cashpoint.

The card-skimming machine was discovered in the cash machine at the Co-op, in Fronks Road, Dovercourt.

It included a device inside the machine which copied the card details and a camera which recorded pin numbers as they were entered.

Anyone who used the cash machine on December 5 is advised to contact their bank.

PC Steven Godden, of Harwich police, said the device was “scary” as it was so well concealed.

He said: “Looking at the machine, you could not tell the difference. There was nothing you could see was wrong that might make you think twice before using it.”

He reminded shoppers to be aware of card fraud. He said cardholders should always hide their pin when entering it, and not leave the number pad visible to watching eyes or cameras.

The device was discovered at about 4pm by a repair man, who had been called after the cashpoint’s security system recognised that something was amiss.

Police believe frausters fitted the device in the early hours of December 5, at 1.45am.

Mr Godden said it would have taken about five minutes to do.

He asked for anyone who saw someone behaving suspiciously in the area or meddling with the cashpoint to call 01255 254079.