ATM thieves in Antibes caught on camera

Card trapping is becoming a widespread problem across Europe

Since the beginning of August, the thieving trio have reportedly managed to steal more than 3,000 euros worth of cash from ATM machines by installing iron bars into cash dispensers and trapping bank cards and details. The men's thefty streak spread further afield with cases reported in Annemasse, Haute-Savoie and towns in Switzerland.

French police recently spotted the threesome on CCTV footage setting up their money trap. The identified faces were linked to similar crimes in Cannes earlier this summer.

Their descriptions were sent to police across France and Europe, and it was the Swiss authorities who contacted Antibes police last week to confirm the arrest of one of the thieves. The man, who remains unnamed, was spotted on Friday night near Vauban port. After trying to deny the charges at first, he was then faced with the camera footage. He appeared in front of the correctional court in Grasse yesterday and is yet to face sentincing. 

More than 12,000 cases of ATM crime were reported in the EU last year, with card trapping becoming increasingly popular. 

Louise Kirby