Thieves cash in at ATMs

THE most dangerous spots for cashpoint muggings and thefts in the North East have been revealed.

Newcastle comes out on top with the most crimes close to an ATM over the last decade, according to recent data.

Northumbria Police recorded 207 thefts or robberies in the city, more than 100 more crimes than secondplaced Gateshead.

The figures translate to one in every 1,432 residents suffering at the hands of thieves in the last decade.

This is particularly high compared to other large cities such as Leeds (one in 5,143), Birmingham (one in 5,459) and London (one in 6,340).

The research compiled by MoneySuperMarket through Freedom of Information requests shows Northumbria Police is the fifth busiest force for cashpoint thefts and robberies nationwide, with 801 crimes recorded in the last decade.

Surprisingly, the data labels Killingworth, North Tyneside as the eighth most dangerous location per resident.

Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, tops the table with one ATM theft or robbery recorded for every 415 people, while Killingworth was recorded as having one for every 692 residents.

ANorthumbria Police spokesperson said: “It is important to put these figures into context as taken in isolation they can be misleading.

“This year there have not be any offences in the Killingworth area, there were just six in the two years previous to that and 29 over an 11-year period.

“Killingworth is a small place and as these figures are based upon population this disproportionately affects its position nationally – as even one additional theft would significantly alter its place in this table. It would be wrong to suggest that the town is a hub for ATM thefts.”

The force also moved to reassure the public these type of the thefts are “not an issue” in North East communities.

The spokesperson added: “We would take this opportunity to remind people to be vigilant when they’re at a cashpoint. Keep your pin covered and put your money away before you leave the cashpoint.

“If you are concerned about somebody suspicious loitering near to a cash point then go inside the bank to withdraw your money and report the individual to staff.”

“In Newcastle there were 15 incidents last year, and while we would like to see this number even lower, the public should be reassured that these types of thefts are not an issue in our communities.

Here is the full list of data for robberies and thefts by cash machines in the North East over the last decade: Newcastle - 207; Gateshead - 97; South Shields - 78; Sunderland - 74; Blyth - 51; Washington - 31; North Shields - 30; Hebburn & Jarrow - 29; Killingworth - 29; Ashington - 28; Boldon & East Shields - 28; Houghton - 27; Cramlington - 20; Durham - 17; Wallsend - 17; Whitley Bay - 15; Bishop Auckland - 13; Peterlee - 13; Consett - 12; Alnwick 10; Bedlington - 10; Hexham - 10; Seaham - 10; Stanley - 10; Chesterle-Street - 7; Berwick - 6; Morpeth 4; Crook - 2

MONEYSUPERMARKET has offered the following advice to stay safe while withdrawing cash:

■ Avoid tourist hotspots: Consider moving away from the main tourist areas to get cash out. Pickpockets target busy areas with larger numbers of tourists, so be alert if you have to withdraw funds in these areas.

■ Know who’s around: Always make sure no one is looking over your shoulder and cover the keypad when entering your Pin – know your surroundings and use a different cashpoint if someone nearby is acting suspiciously.

■ Secure your cash: Make sure you’ve secured your withdrawn money in your wallet, purse or bag, zipped up if possible, to reduce the chances of someone attempting to steal it.

■ Small town risks: Don’t assume that because you’re not in a major city there’s no risk when taking cash out. It’s worth being aware wherever you are in the country.

■ Hidden traps: Look out for cameras installed on the cashpoint, or anything else that seems suspicious – thieves have many methods of stealing your card details.

■ Block stolen cards: If you do become the victim of a theft or robbery and your bank card is stolen, call the police and then block the card so no money can be spent – especially if it is a credit card.