SAANICH - Saanich Police say thieves using compromised pin pad machines have siphoned thousands of dollars from the accounts of shoppers at two area grocery stores.

The debit card scam has netted the criminals more than $400,000 and police are still searching for the culprits.

Saanich Police say the scams were discovered at Safeway at Tillicum Centre and Fairway Market near McKenzie Avenue and Shelbourne Street.

Anyone who used a pin pad at either store during December 2009 or January 2010 should check their bank statements closely.

Many of the victims have been notified by their financial institutions and new debit cards have been issued.

To combat this type of fraud Saanich Police have been placing Pin Watch stickers on point of sale machines after verifying that the equipment belongs to the retailer.

Police say its important to be meticulous when checking bank statements and to report any suspicious activity immediately.