A "brazen" burglar has stolen thousands of dollars and damaged several poker machines at the Bundanoon Hotel.
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Police said that a man broke into the pub just after 3am on Sunday, gaining access to the venue through the common area between the hotel section and accommodation, where almost 50 patrons were sound asleep.
The break–in tripped the hotel's security alarm system, but an external observation found no signs of forced entry.
It wasn't until manager Andrew Compton arrived later that morning that the theft and damage was evident.
"My first thought was there had been an accident, things were strewn around where the person had been looking through cupboards and whatnot," said Mr Compton.
All four of the hotel's poker machines were broken into, two of the machines require the internal mechanics to be replaced and will take up to a week to be fully operational again.
"The person also tried to break into the cigarette machine, but no with no luck. He was there for a while, it was quite brazen," said Mr Compton.
"It's unexpected in our town. In my almost 10 years there hasn't been anything like it," he said.
Police have released CCTV footage of Bundanoon Hotel on Sunday and are seeking assistance from anyone who may be able to identify the person in the photographs.
If anyone has any information contact Moss Vale Police Station (02) 4868 1222 or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.