Two scam artists who used a Lebanese loop to capture bank cards at an ATM at Putney Bridge station have been jailed for 27 months.

Ovidiu Ciobanu,30, from Wood Green, was sentenced at Blackfriars Crown Court on Tuesday after admitting possessing an article for use in fraud.

Cristian Balaban, 18, from Wood Green, was convicted of the same offence but must spend 12 months in a youth offender’s institution after pleading guilty at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

Detective Sergeant Neil Black said: "Lebanese loops prevent cash machines from ejecting bank cards. Usually, the owner of the device, in this case Balaban and Ciobanu, will loiter around the machine and offer to help the victim, watching them re-enter their PIN as they try to get their card out.

“When the victim leaves, they would remove the loop and card and use it to withdraw cash from another ATM."

Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity at cash points should alert a member of staff or contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40.