CUMBRIA police are urging the public to be vigilant from cashpoint fraud as the tourist season approaches.

Millions of tourists as set to descend on the Lake District and South Lakes, but according to police the Lake District towns have previously been targets for tactics known as 'skimming', where details are copied.

As a result, officers are encouraging residents and visitors to be careful how they use ATMs.

Cumbria police detective, John Robinson said: "Fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated in their methods of trying to steal funds from bank accounts.

"Please use ATMs in well-lit and busy areas, particularly at nighttime.

"Check over the cash machine before using it.

"Always protect your pin as use your hand as a shield.

"Many ATM fraudsters use tactics such as placing false fronts over the card slot to copy, or skim, your details.

"If anything looks 'stuck on', it probably is."