A NEW scam where thieves use a plastic device to steal bank cards from cashpoints has reached Bromley.

Police have warned ATM users to be on their guard after a number of thefts using the so-called Lebanese Loop method.

The thief puts a thin plastic sleeve inside the machine's slot, which holds the bank card but does not allow the cardholder to withdraw cash.

Thinking their card has been withheld, the account holder walks away. The thief, standing behind their victim, then removes the card, having first noted the PIN.

Internet rumours about the scam have been circulating for about two years and many people believed it to be a hoax.

But police say several banks in the borough have been hit recently. One loop device was handed in after being found in a cashpoint at a branch of the Woolwich Building Society, in Downham. Incidents have also been reported at Sainsbury's, in Chislehurst, and banks in Orpington and Beckenham.

A police spokesman said: "Our advice is to make sure no-one is looking over your shoulder and if the machine doesn't work, check to see if there is anything in the slot."

January 30, 2003 10:30