A 55-year-old man who installed devices to cash points across London to steal money from customers has been jailed.

The Rainham Safer Neighbourhoods Team were called to Tesco, in Bridge Road, Rainham, 2.15pm on May 12 where Simion had been detained by security staff following an attempt to steal money from a customer at a cash point.

A man in his 70s became concerned when the ATM he was using retained his bank card and cash.

He went inside to alert staff but a husband and wife watched as Simion walked up to the same ATM and removed a device.

The woman challenged Simion and went to get security staff whilst her husband prevented him from leaving the scene.

Police questioned Simion in relation to four similar offences in west London, Kent, Ilford and Havering, dating back to June last year.

Simion targeted the ATM outside the Boots, in High Road, Ilford, on December 11 and the ATM outside Natwest Bank, in High Road, Ilford, on January 19.

He was charged on May 13.

Detective Constable Barry Carter, from Havering CID, said: “Thanks to the vigilance of members of the public and their willingness to react and get involved led to the arrest of a fraudster.

“Cash machines users should be wary of people standing too close for comfort when they enter their PIN. “If in doubt, abandon the transaction so their PIN will not be compromised.

He also added: “Any unusual devices seen attached to cash machines should be reported to the bank and police.”