POLICE are looking for "bandits" who dismantled an amusement machine at a Burnley pub to steal the cash box containing about £200.

The raiders put the machine back together, returned their empty glasses to the bar of the Tim Bobbin pub in Padiham Road and walked out.

The thieves called in early on Monday evening as customers and bought drinks.

They then removed the front panel of the machine, disconnected its alarm and stole the cash box.

Licensee John Kitching said: "The relief manager was looking after the pub at the time.

"I am told the thieves were very professional and even returned their glasses to the bar as they left so staff had no need to go to that part of the room.

"They even put the front of the machine back on so that things looked normal. We have been told that similar thefts have happened at other pubs."

One of the thieves is described as 6ft 3ins tall, 20-25 years, slim with ginger hair. Another was only 5ft 3ins tall, of similar age with dark short cropped hair. A third was 6ft tall with short mousy brown hair and another was wearing a bright red jacket.

They spoke with Birmingham and Geordie accents.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Burnley CID on 01282 425001.

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