Thieves smash open pub fruit machine to grab £1,000

A GAMBLING machine containing around £1,000 was stolen in a raid on a Hythe pub before being emptied and dumped by a New Forest road.

Burglars broke into Fountain Court Hotel in Frost Lane by forcing open its main doors with what is believed to have been a crowbar sometime between 1am and 1.30am on Saturday.

They fled with the fruit machine, which was then discovered the following day damaged on a track alongside the B3054 at Hilltop – about three miles away from the town.

A Hampshire police spokesperson said on Tuesday that no arrests had yet been made as investigations into the incident continued.

Images of the Fountain Court Hotel fruit machine were posted on the Waterside Police Twitter account, along with an appeal for people to come forward if they can help track down the thieves.

“Gambling machine stolen in recent Hythe burglary located dumped in New Forest on track near Hilltop on B3054,” the tweet said.

“If you have information on who is responsible for this crime phone 101 in confidence so Waterside team can deal with offenders and get justice for victim.”

As well as contacting officers, quoting crime reference number 44200039950, those with information can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.