Police are warning people to be extra vigilant when using ATMs in the Borough Green area.

Thieves have already targeted cash machines outside Barclays, Station Road, and NatWest, High Street.

Devices were discovered strapped to the machines and reported to the police.

The cash grab devices consist of metal strips, less than two inches in length, which have been placed over the slot where the money comes out but prevent any cash from appearing.

Last Friday a man attempted to withdraw £40 from a machine outside NatWest, when the money did not appear he went inside to check his balance.

After realising that the money had been withdrawn he returned to the machine to find the device with his cash stuck to the back of it.

Sergeant Mark Ginsberg said: “We are reminding people to check for anything which may appear suspicious before using a cash machine.

“If you have any doubts whatsoever report it to the police as well as the bank.”

No thefts have been reported as a result of the suspicious activity however, police have retrieved two devices from the machines following alerts from the public.

Both devices have been sent for forensic tests.

If you have any information call 101 or contact Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.