NEWTON, N.C. — Authorities in Newton reported two credit card skimmers on gas pumps at the Exxon at in the Startown community.
Officers noted there were scuff marks at the pump where it appeared to be pried open.
"I noticed the machine was really, really loose and usually when you print, it's not loose like that,” customer Pao Lo said. “I had a bad feeling, but I didn't think something like that would happen locally."
Investigators believe the thief broke into the pump at night when the business was closed and spent less than 30 seconds to attach the wires.
There were more than six cases in Catawba County this year.
Police said the skimmer may have been on the pumps for two weeks.