Teddington police have today issued a warning to people using pay and display machines in local car parks.

Reports have emerged of thieves distracting people and stealing their bank cards while using the machine.

A more complex version of the scam involves thieves pretending to be parking attendants and issuing on the spot fines.

The thieves then steal the debit card while the person is confused and distracted.

In both cases the victim is told the machine has swallowed their card and that someone from the Council will arrive shortly to retrieve it for them.

Meanwhile the scammers head for the nearest cashpoint to steal their money.

Councillor Alexander Ehmann, Chair of the Transport and Air Quality Committee for Richmond Council, said:

"Our Civil Enforcement officers will be keeping a close eye out for these con artists and will be working closely with local police Safer Neighbourhoods Teams to track them down.

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"Until they are caught, I would urge people to be on their guard against this kind of scam.

"Never enter your PIN number into any cash or payment machine in view of anyone else and please be aware that our parking machines cannot and will not 'swallow' bank cards. All our parking machines accept contactless payment and we would encourage people to pay that way.

"If you are have any concerns at all that you might have been conned, contact your bank immediately so your card can be cancelled."