protect yourself from ATM theft

protect yourself from ATM theft

To protect yourself from ATM theft and distraction crime across Tipton, Great Bridge, and Princes End

you must stay highly vigilant of your immediate surroundings and physically protect your details. WMP and local Tipton neighbourhood teams frequently issue safety notices for these high-activity zones—particularly around

Great Bridge Retail Park, Tipton High Street, and the Princes End shopping areas.

Thieves operating in these busy commercial spots rely heavily on distraction or physical tampering. You can significantly reduce your risk by applying these core safety habits:

Here is some advice:

Watch for Distraction Tactics

Ignore Sudden Approaches: If someone taps you on the shoulder, asks for directions, or drops money near you while you are at a cash machine, ignore them entirely. They are trying to look at your PIN or grab your cash/card while your head is turned.

Cancel the Session: If you feel uncomfortable or if someone is crowding your space, immediately press the red 'Cancel' button, take your card, and walk away.

Pack Away Safely: Put your cash, card, and wallet securely into your pockets or bags before moving away from the machine. Never walk down the street counting your money out loud.

Inspect the Cash Machine

Look for Tampering: Check the card slot and the keypad before inserting your card. Look out for loose plastic parts, unusual bulky attachments, or hidden mini cameras aligned above the keypad.

Shield Your PIN: Always use your free hand to completely cup and cover the keypad while typing your PIN. This blocks both physical onlookers and hidden skimming cameras.

Choose Indoor Machines: Whenever possible, use the ATMs located inside a bank branch or major supermarket during opening hours. These are heavily monitored and significantly harder for criminals to tamper with.

What to do if something goes wrong

If a machine retains your card or fails to dispense cash, do not leave the machine. Fraudsters sometimes use "loop" devices to trap your card and wait for you to walk away. Stand at the machine and use your mobile phone to call your bank to freeze your card immediately.

You can report suspicious individuals or tampered machines to the police by calling 101, or 999 if a crime is actively taking place.

Thank you from Tipton police station.

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Message Sent By
Selina Male
(Police, Police Community Support Officer, Tipton)