DETECTIVES have warned the public to be vigilant when using cash machines after a so-called "Lebanese Loop" device was seized at a supermarket.

The device was spotted at the Tesco cash machine in Gravel Walk in the Whitefriars centre at Canterbury on Tuesday, March 20.

A customer alerted a member of Tesco’s security staff at about 4pm. It has been reported to police that a man was spotted nearby appearing to be watching a cash machine and typing on his mobile phone.

The device had been fitted to the front of the cash machine. Fraudsters use them to collect information from bank cards and personal identification numbers.

Det Insp Nick Gossett said: “I would like to praise the sharp-eyed member of the public who spotted the device and alerted security staff. Our advice is that when using a cash machine, have a good look at it first.

"If anything appears unusual don’t use it and alert security or store staff. Do not attempt to remove the machine.”