Thieves believed to be targeting gaming machines in South Cumbria's pubs

Police are issuing a warning to pubs across South Cumbria as they believe that a number of gaming and bandit machines are being targeted by offenders travelling from outside of the county.

The warning comes after officers stopped three men at around 3.45pm on Saturday 18 February in Ulverston town centre, and approximately £700 in coins and cash was seized from them. Two men from Blackpool aged 20 and 25, and a 44 year old man from Warrington were arrested and street bailed until 9 March 2012.

Detective Sergeant Helen Ellis said, “Enquires are ongoing to try and establish where this money may have come from but we are appealing to pubs and clubs that have bandit and gaming machines to be vigilant.

“We suspect that machines across South Cumbria are being targeted and we need licensees to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity or individuals to police immediately on 101.

“It is important to try to make note of any vehicle registration details of cars involved and report it to us immediately so we can take action.

“We are also urging companies who manage the lease of gaming machines in public houses to check their machines and report any discrepancies or concerns to us.”