Nighttime raiders steal pub fruit machine cash and cigarette machine

POLICE are hunting burglars who stole cash from a North Tyneside pub.

The thieves broke into the the Porthole at New Quay, North Shields, between 10.30pm on Wednesday July 24 and 8.45am the following morning.

The raiders entered the bar area, forced open the fruit machine and stole cash, before stealing a cigarette machine from the cellar – combined the thieves haul was worth almost £1,000.

Acting neighbourhood inspector Guy Morgan said: “It’s likely the offenders will be in possession of a large quantity of coins and cigarettes.

“The cigarettes may be offered for sale and I’d urge anyone who is offered cigarettes that they believe may be stolen to alert police so we can investigate.

“We’re carrying out enquiries to trace those responsible and anyone with information should get in touch.”

Any witnesses to the burglary or anyone with information about it or the whereabouts of the stolen property should contact Northumbria Police on 101 ext 69191, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.