Skimmers were used to steal information from customers’ Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards at two Butler locations — something that appears to be part of a national phenomenon, Butler City Police Department said in a Friday, March 6, news release.

Skimmers were placed at the Dollar General Market at 119 N. Main St. and the Sunoco at 366 E. Jefferson St. in the last 30 to 60 days before being removed without knowledge to employees or citizens, police said.

Police, working with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, determined there are no longer skimmers at the locations. Police have received about 20 reports of theft.

“That is not to say this did not occur in other places. However, the information from their investigation placed it at those two specifically,” police Chief Robert O’Neill said in the news release.

O’Neill added Butler County Human Services has been notified and said they are prepared to assist those in need.

He recommended people use the tap-to-pay feature when feasible and the app for EBT cards to avoid skimming.

“If anyone suspects a skimmer, please report it to the police and notify management immediately,” O’Neill said.