A BAND of Romanian gipsies is thought to have stolen hundreds of thousands of pounds from cashpoints across Britain.

Detectives last night appealed for people to take care withdrawing money after two young men were arrested following a theft in Durham City.

The pair are being questioned through an interpreter by officers and immigration officials at the city's police station.

A woman, who is also wanted for questioning, had not been traced last night.

Police fear hundreds of people nationwide may have lost cash to the gang, which travels between major towns and cities by train. One customer had £1,000 stolen.

The gang, thought to be from Dagenham in Essex, is believed to target elderly customers using hole-in-the-wall cash dispensers.

A gang member stands behind a customer and copies their security pin number by keying it into a mobile phone.

The other members then distract the customer while their accomplice snatches the card. The card is later used to withdraw cash.

The HSBC Bank - formerly the Midland - told officers that 50 of its cashpoints across the country had been targeted.

Inquiries were being made with other major high street banks yesterday to see if any similar thefts had been reported.

Durham Police are in contact with colleagues from forces across the country who may be holding similar investigations.

Detective Sergeant Max Newby, of Durham City CID, confirmed two men were being interviewed.

He said: "We have had two or three incidents that we know of, but it's probably more rife in bigger cities such as Manchester, Liverpool and the London.

"It could obviously run into hundreds of thousands of pounds if they have got £1,000 from one incident.

"There have been a spate of thefts and we want people to be careful.

"They should be on their guard if they have to withdraw cash from cashpoints if people are hanging around."