Chief Superintendent Babu is currently enjoying a well-deserved break. I am Superintendent Neil Vyse and am acting Borough Commander with overall responsibility for policing in Harrow in his absence.

We continue to see distraction thefts at cash machines across Harrow.

Officers from Stanmore Park Safer Neighbourhoods team were patrolling in Broadway, Stanmore last Tuesday 23 August, when a woman, told them that whilst she was withdrawing money from the ATM at the Nationwide Bank the machine had retained her card. After inspecting the machine, officers discovered that there was a 'skimming' device attached to it. The woman provided the descriptions of two males acting suspiciously at the time she was using the machine. My officers immediately searched the area. Two men, matching the description, were identified getting into a nearby car. The officers stopped them, searched the car and found a skimming device in the pocket of the door along with a small amount of cash.

The two men, aged 27 and 16, were arrested on suspicion of attempted theft, and going equipped to steal. My message has two aspects, firstly to congratulate the Stanmore Park Safer Neighbourhood Team for their excellent response and secondly to remind those using cash machines of the following: Report anyone acting suspiciously or the presence of an object attached to the machine to the bank or police immediately.

Do not let anyone see your PIN. Cover your hand as you enter it.

If someone tries to distract you, cancel your transaction If your card is swallowed, call your bank and cancel the card immediately. If possible do this by the cash machine in order that no-one can remove the card and withdraw money before you do so. Thieves act quickly.

Please pass on these tips to older friends, neighbours and relatives who are often targeted by criminals. We need to look after one another.

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