By VANESSA CHIRCOP
POLICE have recovered a full skimming device from the ANZ ATM at the Central Square Shopping Centre in Altona Meadows this month.
Skimming devices are used to steal credit card and EFTPOS card information.
Investigations are ongoing and it is not known how long the device was in operation.
Hobsons Bay Inspector Bill Mathers said the discovery of the device was quite alarming and uncommon in Hobsons Bay.
He encouraged concerned users of the ATM to contact their bank to check for any unauthorised transactions.
“It’s always good practice to cover the number pad when keying in your PIN,” he said.
“These things don’t just happen overseas.”
Police are encouraging residents to be aware and to contact their local police station if they see any suspicious behaviour at an ATM or notice something different about their local ATM.
Or contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Meanwhile, a three year investigation into 20 commercial burglaries has come to an end.
Hobsons Bay Crime Investigation Unit began the investigation in 2009 when the burglaries started in the Altona and Newport areas.
As a result of the investigation a search warrant was carried out on two Werribee addresses where a large amount of allegedly stolen property was discovered including a car, motorbike and drugs.
Two men have been charged and remanded in custody as a result of the investigation.
Detective Senior Constable George Kokkoris said the alleged offenders were known to the Hobsons Bay CIU with investigators happy to finally close the case.
