Public warned to avoid Santander cash machines due to 'potential criminal activity'

There have been calls about suspicious devices on the bank's machines across Lancashire

Officers were concerned criminals targeted the machines in a bid to steal card details and cash, and urged those who have lost money to contact Santander (AFP/Getty Images)

Police have warned the public not to use Santander's ATMs over fears of "potential criminal activity and vandalism".

Five Santander cash points have been shut down at the request of Lancashire Police, who made calls about suspicious devices on the bank's machines across the county after receiving reports of issues with some of the bank's ATMs last week.

Officers were concerned criminals targeted the machines in a bid to steal card details and cash, and urged those who have lost money to contact Santander.

The bank has said none of its customers have reported being the victim of fraud.

“Santander was contacted this weekend by police who requested that five ATM machines in the North West and Lancashire area be shut down due to potential criminal activity and vandalism," said a spokesperson.

“The five ATMs in question were shut down immediately. The Santander ATM network remains fully operational and we are assisting the police with their enquiries in relation to the five ATMs in the Lancashire area.

“Customers are always advised to remain vigilant and if concerned about any other ATM machines, they should contact the police immediately and not use them.”

Earlier today, Lancashire Police tweeted that the security at Santander ATMs in Lancashire had been "compromised", and advised the public not to use them.

Cheshire Police also issued a warning on Twitter to avoid Santander machines in Wilmslow, near Manchester.

A spokesman for the Lancashire force said it is feared the issue could be more widespread. He said: “We are advising the public to be vigilant, in particular of Santander machines, but of any cash machines.

“Report anything suspicious, have a visual check of the cashpoint and if in doubt leave it and go somewhere else. It has spread across the whole of Lancashire so it's highly likely other forces may have had reports.”

The force also issued advice to bank customers not to use a cash machine if it appears to have been tampered with and shielding the keypad when entering their PIN number.