CASH machine bandits used a hi-tech skimming device to steal thousands of pounds after targeting people in a plush city suburb.

Police today warned residents and visitors to be on their guard after they discovered the sophisticated equipment from the cash machine in Giffnock, East Renfrewshire.

It was found at an ATM in Fenwick Road on Saturday and £3000 was stolen from a customer's bank account.

Skimming devices retain customers' cards allowing the scammers to spend their money.

Thieves use a device to jam a bank card in the machine, so they can steal the card when the customer leaves the ATM.

The scam involves putting a loop of plastic into the card slot, which then traps any card.

In this incident, police said the stolen bank card was then used in "various" shops around Glasgow.

Shoppers have been advised to take extreme care when using cash machines.

It is the second time in two months that Giffnock residents have been targeted.

Last month, the Evening Times revealed how thieves used a secret camera, to record customers' PIN numbers, at a cash machine in the same street.

Scammers can then create a fake or "cloned" card with the card owners details letting them steal cash from the targeted account.

Officers discovered the device at a cash machine in Fenwick Road on November 29.

Police today appealed for information about the latest device and asked anyone who saw anything suspicious to contact officers.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman, said: "We received a report of theft of bank card from commercial property in Fenwick, and the subsequent fraudulant use of the card in various premises around Glasgow.

"Inquiries are ongoing to trace those reponsible.

"Officers are asking the public to be extra vigilant around ATMs and ensure no one is standing near to them when they are using a machine.

"If your card is retained by a machine, please contact your bank immediately."

Card skimming - which uses a hidden device to read details on the cards - has also reportedly been used in Glasgow City Centre.

Police urged people to avoid becoming victims of fraud by shielding their PIN and thereby stopping the camera from taking the details.

Anyone concerned about a possible cash machine scam is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101.

rebecca.gray@eveningtimes.co.uk