POLICE are appealing for Christmas shoppers to be vigilant after three cash machines in Ambleside and Windermere were targeted by criminals.

Between December 4 and 5 police believe ATM machines at the Co-op in Bowness, Barclays in Ambleside and Barclays in Windermere had a device attached to the cash dispenser, blocking money from coming out.

After the customer walks away assuming there is an error with the machine, police believe someone returns and retrieves the device that contains customers’ cash.

Sergeant Ken Jewell said: "Before using the machine, check it for anything that looks suspicious around the card reader and the cash dispenser.

"In the most recent incidents, we are informed by customers that the machine had a small piece of tape attached to the cash dispenser slot.

“If it looks suspicious, don’t use it. Contact Cumbria Police on 0845 33 00 247 and your bank as soon as possible - there will be a telephone number on the cash machine for you to phone.

He also warned that people should make efforts to hide their pin numbers when using a cash machine and be aware of anyone who may be watching them or looking over their shoulder.

He added: "Wherever possible, use a cash machine which is inside a bank or building society.”

Police now want to speak to a man who is described as white, slim, in his late 20s with an eastern European accent who was seen in the area around the time that the offences were reported.

He was wearing tight khaki green trousers and red and white Adidas trainers with the laces undone and shoe tongue hanging out.

Anyone with any information is urged to call a member of the South Lakes Neighbourhood Policing Team on 0845 33 00 247 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.