PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - A group of ATM scammers were stopped in their tracks thanks to alert security guards and other security role players.

Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA) operations head Otto Oliver said three men, allegedly dressed as security guards, approached a woman at a Nedbank ATM at the Market Square shopping centre in Plettenberg Bay just before 15:00 on Saturday 19 January.

It is believed they created a distraction while the woman was attempting to do a transaction and during the commotion managed to scam her out of an undisclosed amount of money.

Olivier said actual centre security guards noticed the commotion and gave chase, but the men jumped into a grey Volkswagen Polo with Gauteng number plates and sped off towards the N2 in the direction of Port Elizabeth.

"In the process they jumped a red light at the shopping centre which drew the attention of the PBCPA rapid response team. They responded and chased after the vehicle," Olivier said.

The unit's members spotted the vehicle speeding towards the Uplands area on the Avontuur Road.

"The vehicle slowed down on the gravel road. Other security role players, including the Knysna K9 and crime prevention unit, also responded as it appeared that the vehicle was heading to Knysna."

Olivier said police managed to stop the vehicle and arrest the three suspects. The vehicle was also confiscated.

Police confirmed that the matter was under investigation.

Olivier said it was later established that the number plates were fake.

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