POLICE are urging people to be vigilant when using cash machines after a number of incidents were reported in Malton.

On Monday, North Yorkshire Police received a report from Barclays bank that some customers had complained money had been taken from their bank accounts.

Police are investigating whether or not the money has been taken after customers used cash machines in the town, although at this stage, no reports of any suspicious skimming devices have been received.

Steve Adams, from Norton, said he had received a text at 6am on Monday to say money was being transferred from his account to a bank in Thailand.

“I went straight up to my branch in Malton and they agreed to put the money back into my account, but I understand there had been a number of similar incidents over the past few days,” he said.

A spokesman for Barclays said they had made a report to the police.

“None of our customers have suffered financially as a result of fraud on their accounts and we urge people to regularly check the activity on their accounts,” he said.

Customers are advised to be vigilant when using cash machines and report anything which looks suspicious to their bank and the police.

When using cash machines, people are advised to look for anything that seems out of place, such as ill-fitting components, wires, tape or missing panels.

If the card gets stuck, or you notice an error message, alert the bank immediately and inform the police.

To report an incident, phone North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 1 and speak to the force control room.