FAKE cash machines, dummy cameras and apps to skim your bank card. It’s all in a days work for Police Scotland’s Community Policing Officers, but an eye opener for staff at Kingdom Housing Association who attended the Community Safety Event at their Saltire Centre head office in Glenrothes, with assistance from Central Fife Crime Prevention Panel's chairman, Dave Roy.

As part of its commitment to becoming an employer of choice, Kingdom offered staff the opportunity to attend the event, working in partnership with Police Scotland, which was packed full of tips on how to beat crime and stay safe in the real world and online.

Presented by Community Safety Officer PC Fraser Laird and his colleague PC Steven Black, the event was organised by Kingdom’s Health and Safety Officer Dave Roy, from Cardenden.

Dave, who is also chair of the Central Fife Crime Prevention Panel, said: “This was another great opportunity for Police Scotland to put the crime prevention safety message out to our staff.

We’ve rolled a number of these sessions out over the years and we will continue to push the message out.”

Staff received advice and tips on personal safety which included, cyber crime, home security, public transport safety, how to avoid internet security scams and how to spot ATM machines which are fitted with skimmer devices.

Dave pointed out how you can fine up to £30 disappearing from your account without even realising it is happening through scanner apparatus that can be carried by someone simply passing you by.

Using keycard protectors, costing as little as 50p, can protect you from this sort of theft.