POLICE are warning the public to be on their guard against card skimming devices attached to bank cash dispensers by fraudsters.

The warning follows recent incidents in West Cornwall where skimming devices have been recovered from ATMs, although it is not known if any cash has been stolen.

In the last few days offences have taken place at cash points in St Ives and Hayle.

Police urge members of the public to be extra vigilant when using cash points, particularly when they are inputting their PIN number.

Skimming devices work when people enter their details; the machine either states it has dispensed the cash or there is a fault and then no money is forthcoming.

When the user goes into the bank or other premises to raise the issue someone waiting nearby retrieves the device and cash.

Insp Dave Meredith said: 'Police believe this is a highly organised enterprise possibly involving criminals from out of the area. Bank CCTV is being reviewed to target offenders.'