BELFAST — Belfast Police are continuing their investigation into an ATM skimming device that was located Dec. 10 on a machine at Bangor Savings Bank. 

Law enforcement received the report after a local man went to the bank branch to make a deposit, according to Belfast Police Officer Mike Rolerson.

The complainant said that he had recently watched a television program where the focus was ATM skimming devices, and became suspicious of the machine’s appearance. After pulling on the device it “popped off into his hands,” Rolerson said. 

Skimming devices are often smaller than a deck of cards, and are able to take information from the magnetic strip of the respective debit or credit card. Generally the information is accessed after the device has been retrieved, though there are skimming devices that can be accessed remotely.  

“This is the first of this type of investigation [for Belfast Police],” Rolerson said of the ATM skimmer. 

The apparatus was allegedly placed on the machine just after 6 a.m., and reported just after 8 a.m., according to Rolerson. 

Police have been in contact with Bangor Savings Bank and have reviewed extensive security footage from the branch in a search of additional evidence. 

Investigation of the device and the individual who placed it there continues. If you have any information, please contact the Belfast Police Department at 338-2420.

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com