POLICE in the Wee County will be educating the public about ATM security next week, showcasing techniques and devices criminals use to steal people's hard-earned cash.

The proactive festive safety campaign will see local ward officers out and about at busy machines around Clacks in a bid to help residents keep safe in the run up to Christmas.

People will have the chance to pay them a visit and learn how to spot a false front ATM, identical to what may be used by fraudsters to con victims into thinking they are putting their card into a genuine machine.

The officers will also be sharing advice about cashpoint security and vigilance ahead what is a very busy period of shopping and hurrying about.

Chief Inspector Drew Sinclair, area commander for policing in Clackmannanshire, said: "This is part of our festive campaign and is aligned to the shop safe aspect where we are advising people when out shopping and using ATMs to be a bit more vigilant in checking the ATM and securing their bags, purchases and valuables whilst doing so.

"Also, be alert to those nearby, standing too close or attempting to distract people by asking questions or speaking to them."

The officers will be at Morrisons in Alloa between 11am and 2pm next Monday, December 5.

Next Friday, they are visiting Tesco in Alloa between 12noon and 3pm as well as at Asda in town between 3pm and 6pm.

The next day, Saturday, they will be going to the Co-op in Alva from 12noon to 2pm and Tillicoultry's Sterling Mills between 2pm and 5pm.

Anyone looking for more information can contact PC 342 Iain Moffat, Alloa ward officer, on 101.