Three men have been charged after two cash machines were allegedly tampered with.

Police were called to the Co-operative supermarket in Grange Road, Ramsgate , at about 8.20pm on Friday, after a woman tried withdrawing money from a cash point but found she couldn't retrieve her bank card.

She then found a small object - thought to be a "card skimming" device that can read card details - attached to the machine.

A similar incident took place earlier the same day at the Co-operative store in Broadstairs High Street.

Police carried out enquiries into both incidents and reviewed CCTV footage.

In the early hours of Saturday, officers stopped a vehicle on the M2 and arrested three men in connection with the incidents.

Equipment was also seized.

Thinumenan Ganeshalingham, 23, of Sadler Close, Mitcham, in Greater London; Tharan Yogeswaran, 23 of Hamilton Road in Gillingham ; and Attaul Qayyum, 20, of Abbotsbury Road, Morden, Greater London were all charged with possession of a card skimmer and other equipment for use in the course of fraud.

Ganeshalingham was also charged with possession of Class B drugs, and Qayyum was additionally charged with driving without insurance.

All three have been remanded in custody and were due to appear before Medway Magistrates’ Court today.

Sergeant Claire Munday said: "We are taking this opportunity to remind people to be vigilant around cash machines.

"If it appears to have been tampered with report it immediately to the bank and contact police. Always cover the keypad when entering numbers and always report incidents where cards are retained or jammed."

If you see anyone acting suspiciously around cash machines call 101, or 999 if a crime is in progress. You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

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