LINK joins forces with Crimestoppers to crack down on cash machine crime

To help combat cash machine crime LINK, the UK's cash machine network, has today announced a partnership with independent charity Crimestoppers to offer rewards  for information relating to cash machine crime. Working closely with different police agencies and departments, including the DCPCU, a banking industry-sponsored  special police unit, the partnership aims to support the police in their fight against crime and help inform the public about how they can protect themselves.

LINK is offering rewards of up to £25,000 for information related to cash machine crime, and members of the public are urged to call Crimestoppers anonymously  on 0800 555 111 or complete an online form via www.crimestoppers-uk.org. All information is treated anonymously and no personal information is taken.

Graham Mott, senior LINK spokesman commented: "We're urging the public to pass on information they may have about cash machine crime, for example physical  attacks on cash machines themselves or card skimming. Even something that may seem insignificant could be part of a bigger picture and prove invaluable in  convicting someone involved in cash machine crime."

DCI John Folan, head of the DCPCU and a serving City of London police officer said: "Tackling cash machine fraud is a continuing priority for the DCPCU,  and a joined-up initiative of this nature has our full support. Any relevant information passed through to Crimestoppers will be used to help track down and  arrest those responsible - which will not only disrupt criminal activity but also send out a clear message that we are cracking down hard on those carrying out  crimes of this nature."

Cash machines are generally very safe to use however LINK has put together a guide on what to look out for when using any cash machine.

1. Protect your PIN by standing close to the machine and shielding the key pad with your other hand.
2. Check to see if anything looks unusual or suspicious about the cash machine. If it appears to have anything stuck onto the card slot or key pad, do not use it. Cancel the transaction and walk away. Never try to remove suspicious device
3. Be cautious if strangers offer to help you at a cash machine, even if your card is stuck or you're having difficulties. Don't allow anyone to distract you.
4. Where possible, use a cash machine which is in clear view and well lit.
5. Check that other people in the queue are a reasonable distance away from you.
6. Keep your PIN secret. Never reveal it to anyone, even someone who claims to be calling from your bank or a police officer.
7. Avoid opening your purse, bag or wallet when you are in the queue. Put your money away immediately.
8. Regularly check your account balance and bank statements, and report any discrepancies to your bank immediately.

Official figures show that the number of attacks on UK cash machines rose by 17% from 2007 to 2008, to 635 separate attacks. In addition fraud via cash machines, mostly card skimming*, cost the industry £37 million in 2007.

-ENDS-

Media Enquiries:

For more information please contact Victoria McGovern / Karen Cooper at the LINK Press Office.

Email: victoria.mcgovern@thejjgroup.com / karen.cooper@thejjgroup.com

Mobile: Victoria, 07971 293 594

Notes to Editors

* Source: Payments Council report on UK consumer payments, 2008

About LINK

LINK connects almost every cash machine in the UK, both free-to-use and pay-to-use. The LINK network is the busiest ATM transaction switch in the world.  The LINK Scheme brings together the banks, building societies and other institutions that issue cards and the operators of the 64,000 UK cash machines that make up the LINK network.

The LINK network processes around 250 million transactions a month and, at its busiest, it processes over one million transactions an hour. The LINK network has 46 members  and there are more than 130 million LINK cards in circulation from 36 card issuers.

www.link.co.uk

About DCPCU

The DCPCU is fully sponsored by the banking industry through APACS the UK payments association, and has an ongoing brief to help stamp out organised card and cheque fraud across  the UK. It is a unique body that comprises officers from the Metropolitan and City of London police forces who work alongside banking industry fraud investigators. Since its inception  in April 2002, the DCPCU has been responsible for more than £230 million in savings from reduced fraud activity and has recovered more than 244,000 counterfeit cards and card numbers.

About Crimestoppers

• Crimestoppers is an independent charity dedicated to solving crimes and taking criminals off the streets. Around 17 people are arrested and charged every day as a result of information given to Crimestoppers. One person every five days is charged with murder.
• Since Crimestoppers began in 1988, it has received over a million actionable calls, resulting in over 87,000 arrests and charges. Over £103 million worth of property has been recovered and nearly £160 million worth of drugs.
• Crimestoppers UK was founded by Lord Ashcroft, KCMG, Chairman of Trustees. In 1988, he launched Crimestoppers in the Metropolitan Police area. Crimestoppers is built on a three-way partnership between the business community, the police and the media.