Met Police in Kew are advising residents and visitors to be aware of a car parking scam that has been taking place across car parks in Kew and Richmond.

A statement posted online by Met Police Kew said: "Please take note of a scam we are aware of across Kew and Richmond - Ferry Lane, Station Approach, Old Deer Car Park and Richmond Green all targeted.

"Please be mindful of your surroundings and never feel pressured to insert cards or PINs.

Your Local Guardian:

Image credited to Met Police in Kew.

"To try and combat this crime, we have already collected extensive CCTV footage which has generated a number of lines of enquiry.

"We will also be conducting a plainclothes operation to try and catch those responsible."

According to police reports, victims are being offered help to purchase parking tickets by fraudsters who are after the victims card details.

Victims are encouraged to insert their debit or credit card into the machine and to enter their PIN information.

Once the victim has done this, the fraudster will attempt to tell the victim that the machine is most likely broken however despite some car parking machine returning some bank cards, almost all of the debit cards are used to carry oufraudulentnt transactions or to withdraw cash from ATM machines.

Visit the @MPSKew on Twitter for further information and advice.