HALESOWEN shoppers are being urged to be on their guard when using cashpoints in the town.

Police are warning people to be alert after removing a device from a cash machine in the town centre.

They have checked all cashpoints in the town and did not find any other machines that had been tampered with - but are warning people to be wary.

Halesowen neighbourhood police sent out a message saying: "Please be aware when using cashpoints in the local area of Halesowen town centre.

"Officers have removed a device from a cash machine in the town centre.

"A sweep of the whole town was conducted and no other devices of this nature were located.

"Be vigilant and take extra care and attention when using cashpoints and entering your pin at machines.

"Run your hands over the reader if you are concerned for anything that looks attached via tape or small amounts of glue.

"If you witness suspicious activity or find any devices please get in touch through the appropriate route - 999 in an emergency or 101 and report your findings."

Criminals are using increasingly sophisticated methods to con people out of their cash at ATMs.

Card skimmers, cash traps and system hacks are becoming increasingly common.

People are advised when using a cash machine to check that the card reader is securely fastened, as it may be equipped with a skimming device.

This records the details from the magnetic stripe of a card.

As well as this, a miniature camera captures the PIN being entered.

Don't leave the ATM if your card is sucked in.

Fraudsters sometimes fit devices to cash machines that trap your card, which they then retrieve as soon as you have left the area.

If your card is retained by the machine for any reason, report it to your card company immediately, ideally while you are still in front of the machine.

If you spot anything unusual about a cash machine, or there are signs of tampering, do not use it.