BARNSLEY Neighbourhood Watch is giving away a handy little device to protect people from falling victim to credit and debit card fraud or identity theft.

The credit-card sized sleeve stops contactless cards from being abused by criminals who may try to illegally read the data on a card, or try to authorise a transaction without the owner knowing.

John Hallows, from the Neighbourhood Watch, said: “Now cards can be scanned when they are in your purse.

“Toe rags can buy the machines that read the cards and all they have to do is walk past you. It is happening everywhere and is a well known thing.

“The card protecter blocks the signal going out and coming in.

“We’re giving them away to anyone who wants one.

“In the last couple of weeks we have given 500 of them away.”

If you would like one get in touch with a Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator in your area or visit the Facebook page by searching Barnsley Neighbourhood Watch Liaison Group.

Read more in this weeks Barnsley Chronicle