POLICE are warning bank customers in the county to be on the alert after two cash machines were found to have been tampered with by criminals.

The discoveries were made in Moreton and in Gloucester on Tuesday, September 16.

In Moreton a fake front and camera were found on a cash machine outside a bank in the High Street in the evening after a customer's debit card was swallowed.

It is believed the device was intended to trap customer bank cards and record PINs, enabling those responsible to steal money from people's accounts.

CCTV and forensic inquiries are ongoing in both cases but anyone with information about either incident should call 101 and quote incident or 495 in Moreton and 76 for the Gloucester case of September 16.

PC Annabel Brittain said: "We know people are far more aware of the potential for cash machines to be targeted by thieves and it's great these devices were discovered fairly quickly by vigilant members of the public.

"However, these cases are a salient reminder for people to continue to be alert.

"Don’t let these thieves get away with your hard-earned money: check cash-points carefully and always cover your PIN.

"The message to offenders is don’t do this here, you will be looking at a lengthy prison sentence if you get caught and, if you’re from another country, are likely to be deported."