'Over the weekend of 4 and 5 December, ATM cash machines in the Ambleside and Windermere area have been targeted by criminals who have attached devices to the cash dispenser. This has prevented the cash from being dispensed and appeared to be an ATM error.
We advise people to be vigilant when obtaining money from a cash machine. Before using the machine check it for anything suspicious around the card reader and the cash dispenser. In the most recent incidents reported the machine had a small piece of tape attached to the cash dispenser slot.
If you think a cash machine has been tampered with do not use it, contact Cumbria Police on 0845 33 00 247 and your bank as soon as possible - there will be a telephone number on the cash machine for you to phone.
We also advise people to hide their pin numbers when using the machine and be aware of anyone who may be watching them or looking over their shoulder. When possible use a cash machine which is inside a bank e.g. in the foyer'.
Message sent by Helen Madden (Police, PCSO, Ulverston (S))