Eastern European gangs skim ATM cards

CRIMINAL gangs from Eastern Europe are using card-skimming devices in raids on cash machines around the country, it emerged yesterday.

The gangs are believed to be moving between major cities such as Limerick, Galway and Cork for two-week periods to target busy ATMs.

The Irish Payment Services Organisation (IPSO) said card-skimming crime had escalated since it first became a serious problem in 2003.