Police are investigating a series of incidents involving the use of a fake swipe card device.
Detective Inspector Win Van der Velde said the fake device would be placed next to the genuine swipe card device used to open doors to after hours indoor automatic teller machines (ATM). The fake device would not open the door but record details from the customer’s card while the customer was gaining entry to the ATM.
"This information is being downloaded onto a computer and transferred to another card and used by the offenders in any normal retail transaction," said Mr Van der Velde.
"Because this matter is under investigation it is inappropriate to make any further comment until the investigation has been completed and the offenders charged."
In the meantime Police are asking bank customers who see a second device at the door to an indoor ATM, to contact their local Police.
Mr Van der Velde said Police would remind cardholders to be particularly vigilant about card security.
"Don’t leave your card in a vehicle or at home out of your control. These offenders are breaking into cars and houses in order to clone cards without the owners knowledge."
Retailers also need to be more vigilant in checking cardholder details at the time of the purchase of any goods.