Kent Police is reminding shoppers to beware of thieves when withdrawing money from cash machines this Christmas.

Criminals use a range of tactics to obtain PINs and to steal debit and credit cards, and often work in small groups to distract people while doing so.

Elderly people are among those most at risk and are being urged to stay alert when approached by strangers in supermarkets, shopping centres and high streets.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Parker of Kent Police said: "Thieves will often attempt to distract you while you are using a cash machine, such as by dropping something or spilling a drink on you.

"Once distracted an accomplice will either steal your card or money, or use skimming equipment to obtain your PIN.

"Thieves also frequently pose as well-meaning members of the public, and while it’s hard to be suspicious of people who appear to want to help you, it’s worth remembering that they may not always be as innocent as they would like you to believe."

Last month, five men and two women were sentenced to a total of more than 16 years in prison after conspiring to target elderly people at supermarkets across Kent.

"Once distracted an accomplice will either steal your card or money, or use skimming equipment to obtain your PIN" - Dt Ch Insp, Neil Parker

The fraudsters obtained PINs from the victims by ‘shoulder surfing’ at supermarket checkouts or cash machines. Typically, they would watch the victim input their PIN before distracting them in a car park using techniques such as asking for directions to the local hospital in order to steal their bank cards.

Between January and March 2014 offences were reported in Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Maidstone, Strood, Rainham, Gillingham, Sittingbourne, Whitstable, Hawkinge, Folkestone and Hythe. All 12 victims were elderly people, the eldest aged 88.

DCI Parker added: "The last thing anybody wants at Christmas or any other time of the year is to become a victim of crime, so it’s important we all take precautions to reduce the chances of that happening.

"When using a cash machine, make sure nobody can see you typing your PIN and ignore anyone who attempts to distract you until your cash and card are secure.

"If you think a machine has been tampered with, do not try to remove the device. Instead make a note of the machine, do not use it and call the police on 101."

Visit www.kent.police.uk for further crime prevention advice.