CASHPOINT users in the Cotswolds are being urged to stay alert after cash machines were found to have been tampered with by criminals.

Police discovered a cashpoint in Moreton, and another in Gloucester, had been tampered with on Tuesday, September 16.

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

The same day, a member of the public handed in a device that had been attached to a cash machine outside a supermarket in Cheltenham Road in Gloucester. It is believed the device was placed on the machine the day before.

Gloucestershire Police believe the devices were 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 and anyone with information is being urged to get in touch.

PC Annabel Brittain, of Gloucestershire Police, 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.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting incident 76 (Gloucester case) or 495 (Moretoncase) of September 16.