NORTH Yorkshire police are warning people to be vigilant when using cash machines after money was stolen from victims in Thirsk and Skipton.

In both cases, victims went to cash points and found their cards were stuck. A helpful passer-by told them to punch in their PIN number to try and release it.

When the card remained stuck the victims left only for the passer by to release the card and take money out, having learned the PIN number.

Police are advising people to look closely at cash machines, and if cards get stuck they should send someone else into the bank, or ring the bank, and be wary of "helpful" passers by.

Updated: 10:32 Tuesday, June 03, 2003