New figures on the targeting of cash machines in Northern Ireland underline once again the importance of exercising vigilance when drawing out money.
People need to be aware of skimming devices which are placed on cash machines to record bank card details and PIN numbers which are then used to take cash from people's accounts.
PSNI figures obtained by The Irish News show that police recorded almost 169 crimes at ATMs between January 2014 and May 2016 relating to assaults as well as theft and fraud.
In one of the more extreme incidents a digger was used to rip a cash machine from the wall of a petrol station outside Newry.
Given the lengths some criminals will go to in their attempts to steal money, people need to take particular care at ATMs, making sure their PIN number cannot be seen and reporting any signs of tampering to the police.
