FRAUDSTERS targeted a pair of Sidmouth cash machines with high-tech ‘skimming’ devices last Tuesday (May 1).

Residents who used ATMs at Santander, in Fore Street, and Waitrose, in Stowford Rise, before 8.35am and 9am respectively, have been urged to check their bank accounts for unusual transactions.

It was the second time in a month that criminals used covert equipment to try and net people’s bank details.

Police say they are keen to speak to two men seen acting suspiciously in the area.

A vigilant member of the public has been praised for spotting the scam at Santander.

“If anyone who used these machines at the time has noticed unusual transactions, contact your bank immediately,” said Sgt Andy Turner.

Skimming devices and covert cameras were removed from both the Santander and Waitrose cash machines on Tuesday.

Police are keen to trace two men, both described as being in their 30s, around 6ft tall and with dark hair. One was of a stocky build and the other of a medium build.

A blue people carrier was also spotted in the Fore Street area.

Sgt Turner advised residents: “Check cash machines machine prior to putting your card in. Recording devices are always housed above the keypad – so always cover your pin number.

“If you see anything that doesn’t quite look right, or anybody hanging around machines, then call 999.

Sgt Turner added that, if a card becomes stuck in a machine for an illegitimate reason, residents should never leave the scene.

He said everyone who owns a credit or debit card should turn it over and put the bank’s contact number into their mobile phone – so they have the details should a problem arise.

Sgt Turner, who has been a victim of fraud in the past, added: “These types of incidents in Sidmouth are rare.”

He said inquiries were continuing and police were studying local CCTV recordings for information.