Crime
Alert victim helps track fraudster who used skimming device at ATM
A man who installed a skimming device on a cash machine in Sawston has been jailed.
Skimming devices are illegally installed on ATMs and used by criminals to intercept cash or collect card data and PIN numbers for fraudulent activity.
Igor Murzac, 43, was seen loitering near a machine outside a shop in High Street in May.
The victim, who used the machine, noticed him watching as her cash withdrawal failed.
She reported the incident to staff inside the shop and to police.
Officers attended and saw Murzac driving away in a car. They searched the local area and managed to locate the vehicle and Murzac, who was walking along the road.
Igor Murzac, 43, was seen loitering near a machine outside a shop in High Street in May.
Officers arrested him on suspicion of criminal damage of the cash machine and discovered a skimming device and keys to the car discarded under a nearby hedge.
A further search of the car found items linked to the crime, including a crowbar, metal hooks, sticky back card and scissors.
Officers later returned to the cash machine itself and removed a skimming device containing a wad of cash.
Murzac, of Ilford, Greater London, pleaded guilty to possessing an article for use in fraud and theft from an automatic machine.
He was jailed for one year and four months and ordered to pay a victim surcharge at Cambridge Crown Court on Wednesday (12 July).
Detective Constable Rebecca Claydon, who investigated, said: “This was an excellent piece of work by our officers, whose quick response to these reports not only located Murzac and his vehicle, but also retrieved several items linked to the crime.
“They later went on to remove the device, which contained a wad of cash.
“I’d also like to thank the victim for their part in reporting the crime and helping us locate Murzac.
“I am glad justice has been done and hope this shows how seriously we take these crimes.”
For more advice on how to protect yourself from ATM fraud, visit the dedicated page on Cambridgeshire police website.
