Police Notebook: Airdrie bank ATM compromised by skimmers

The Airdrie RCMP is requesting the public’s assistance in locating two men who installed a “skimmer” on a local bank’s ATM machine.

On Aug. 17, an unknown man attended a local bank and installed a debit card skimmer. At about 1 p.m., another unknown man returned to the bank and removed the skimmer.

The skimmer obtained multiple people’s information before a client of the bank’s card got stuck in the skimmer. The client then advised the bank manger of the issue and before the manger could remove the skimmer, the second man removed it.

The bank has contacted all of the clients who used the machine while the skimmer was in place and advised them of the possible dangers.

Skimmers collect debit information for unknown suspects as customers do their regular banking. The device records encoded information from the debit card. Criminals can then create duplicate debit cards and withdraw funds or make purchases with the duplicate card.

Police caution people to:

• Never allow your debit or credit card to leave your sight while paying for something.

• Inspect the debit machine to ensure nothing looks “added-on” or out of place.

• Regularly review your accounts and credit score.

• If your card gets stuck, do not walk away from your card and attempt to contact an employee or manger.

Crime Stoppers will pay cash for information leading to the identity of the persons responsible for this crime. Crime Stoppers does not ask for your name and does not subscribe to call display.

Long weekend stats

More than 2,250 traffic-related charges were laid across Alberta over the Thanksgiving long weekend, according to police.

Alberta Sheriffs and RCMP, working together in integrated traffic units, nabbed more than 1,200 speeders, and handed out hundreds of other tickets, including 112 for impaired driving and 414 for seatbelt and child restraint infractions.

Despite the thousands of tickets doled out, the total was still significantly less than the 4,000-plus infractions tallied over the Labour Day long weekend last month.

Theft of perfume

On July 28 and Sept. 14, two unidentified women entered an Airdrie retailer and stole about $1,200 worth of perfume.

The women entered the store through the main entrance and proceeded to the fragrance section. They then put various perfumes in their large purses and exited the store.

The first woman is described as having medium skin tone, 5’6” tall, 150 pounds, with a medium to heavy build, shoulder length dark hair, and she was wearing dark glasses, a black Guess shirt and blue jeans.

The second woman is described as having a medium skin tone, 5’3” tall, 110 pounds, with a slim build, shoulder length dark hair with a blonde dyed spot in the middle of her head, and she was wearing a grey tank top and blue jeans.

Theft of wallet

Airdrie Crime Stoppers is seeking the public’s assistance in catching a thief.

On Sept. 21 between 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., an unknown suspect entered the change room of the Genesis Place and stole a wallet from a locker. The suspect then proceeded to a Walmart in Airdrie and attempted to buy two $750 gift cards with a credit card taken from the stolen wallet.

The suspect appears to be Caucasian with a heavy set build, 5’10” tall, 250 pounds and was wearing a brightly designed hat and T-shirt with jeans.

Police remind people to lock up their personal possessions or if possible to leave some items like credit cards or other valuables at home when going to the gym.

If you have any information on any unsolved crime, call Airdrie RCMP at 403-945-7200 or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).