Police in Chelmsford are taking steps to crack down on cash machine crime.

Plain clothes officers have been out in the town this weekend trying to tackle groups of thieves who trick people using the machines.

Inspector Jim White, of Chelmsford police, said there are groups "out and about" in the county town with devices which can clone cards.

He added: "These people work by standing around cashpoints in groups of four or five. When you go to draw out money, they stand behind you."

The crooks wait until you have put your card in and are taking money out.

They then tap you on the shoulder to tell you that you have dropped something.

Mr White said: "When you are distracted, they grab your card out of the cash machine, swipe it through their device and clone it, and then quickly put it back. Or they grab both the card and money and run."

Mr White says this has happened "numerous times", and the force has plain clothes officers out trying to stop them.

He also asked people to be on their guard against "very brazen" handbag thieves in the town.

"There are female bag snatchers operating and people really ought to be on their guard."

Published Tuesday, April 15, 2003

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