Burglars have smashed fruit machines and stolen an estimated £1,400 in cash during a pub break-in.

The thieves smashed a window in the fire exit door and forced entry at the Woodman in Barnett Wood Lane, Ashtead, in the early hours of Friday.

After causing damage at the pub, the burglars escaped with the cash from the fruit machines at about 4am.

Mole Valley Neighbourhood Sergeant John Pearson said: "We have CCTV footage that needs checking. If anybody knows anything they should definitely come forward."

Four days later, at about 6.20am on Tuesday, burglars also stole money from a fruit machine was stolen from the Limes Public House in Albury Road, Merstham.

Investigating officer PC Helen Simon, said: "At this stage in the investigation we are keeping an open mind to whether the two incidents are linked but we do believe the machines are targeted for the high amount of money they can contain and I would appeal to anyone who has information on who is responsible to contact us with information.

"If you saw anything suspicious in the areas around the thefts or have seen any recent suspicious activity around pubs over recent days, please contact Surrey Police on 101."

Officers are visiting premises to offer crime reduction advice and urge proprietors with a fruit machine to empty it regularly to deter would-be thieves.

Anyone with information should call Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference MV/13/4273 (Ashtead) or RB/13/9216 (Merstham).

 

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