Rise in cash machine card thefts in city centre

Bank card thefts have increased in Bradford city centre as thieves use traps to steal from cash machines, police have said.

West Yorkshire Police said small plastic devices are being fixed to ATMs which trap cards in the slot, preventing them from being returned once a transaction is completed.

Officers said the thieves loiter nearby, reassuring victims their cards will be safe and they should contact their bank the next day - only to steal the cards once the coast is clear.

Police said traps had been recovered from various cash machines in Bradford, with similar incidents recorded in Huddersfield and Keighley.

Writing on Facebook, police said: "The devices are always installed out of bank opening hours preventing victims from seeking help at the branch straight away.

"Members of public are asked to be vigilant.

"If your card has been swallowed for no obvious reason, please contact your bank immediately.

"Alternatively, you can block or temporarily freeze your bank card using the mobile app or telephone banking until it is confirmed that the card is in the possession of your bank as opposed to being trapped in the cash machine."

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here.