Gaming machines can generate vital extra income for your pub. However, landlords need to be aware that machines, which are often loaded with cash, could end up being targeted by criminals.

To help you avoid the pitfalls, we’ve put together a guide on how best to protect your machines.

Laying the ground work

There are several proactive steps you can take to try and protect yourself from gaming machine crime.

Always place your machine in a busy area of the pub rather than in an isolated alcove; this will go a long way to deter thieves as they’re unlikely to act if the machine is overlooked. Likewise, if CCTV is installed at your pub, make sure one of your cameras is trained on the fruit machine area.

Also be sure to empty your machine regularly; that way, if you do have a break in, the loss will be minimised.

Maintaining security

Keep your eyes out for suspicious looking groups congregating around a machine,particularly if they are wearing heavy clothing that could potentially be concealing devices to help them break into the machine or hidden pockets to help them get away with the proceeds.

Try and keep anyone you suspect in your eye line to monitor the situation – things to look out for in particular are stools or chairs being pushed up against the lower front door of the gaming machine, as well as the attract lights on the top door suddenly turning off.

Beware of customers alerting you to the fact that an object other than a coin has been inserted into the acceptors or claiming that the machine has swallowed the money – this could be a ploy to get you to open up the machine.

Call the police immediately if you think you’re witnessing a machine crime, and, if you don’t have CCTV, make written descriptions of the offenders and note any vehicle registrations you can as soon as possible.

This downloadable guide gives tips for making the most of your leisure machines