Police hunt for Edinburgh ‘card skimming’ thieves

POLICE have issued descriptions of two men who attached “card skimming” devices to cash machines in the city centre to fleece bank customers.

Police in Edinburgh are hunting two people in relation to card skimming devices found in city centre ATMs. Picture: PA

The devices were discovered fixed to autotellers at the RS McColl store in Frederick Street and the Thomas Cook in Hanover Street on Saturday.

Both suspects were in the George Street and Frederick Street areas between 7.15am and 7.45am that day.

The first man is dark skinned with dark hair and was wearing a grey jumper and dark blue jeans. He was wearing white canvas shoes. The second man is white, bald and wearing a light blue shirt and light grey jacket.

Pc Steven Skirving, who is leading the inquiry, said: “Due to the prompt discovery of these devices, I believe people who used the machines at RS McColl and Thomas Cook will not have had their accounts compromised. However, I would still urge them to check their accounts and remain vigilant.

“Likewise, I would urge everyone who is using a cash machine to check carefully for hidden recording devices and to ensure they shield their hand when entering a PIN number. If they do see something suspicious, they should call Police Scotland on 101 immediately.”