Man '˜faked' illness to con staff during fruit machine cash raid

Police are hunting two men after a large amount of cash was stolen from a Derbyshire amusement arcade.

The incident happened at Oasis, on Market Street, Heanor, at around 12.30pm today (Saturday) and involved two men, one of which is believed to have distracted staff by faking an illness.

A police spokesperson said: “One of the men was playing on a fruit machine when the second appeared to be taken ill. While staff were tending to the second man, the first managed to retrieve a substantial amount of cash from the machine.

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“He left the store after being challenged and a short time later, the man who appeared to be ill got up and left. It is thought his illness was a distraction tactic.”

Police are circulating descriptions of the two men and warning other amusement arcade staff to be vigilant.

The first man was white, aged between 25 and 30, of stocky build with short dark hair. He wore a padded jacket in either blue or turquoise, and dark jeans.

The second man, who appeared to be taken ill, was aged 50 to 55, also stocky, and was wearing glasses. He had grey hair and was wearing a jumper and body warmer, possibly in green.

Anyone who recognises the descriptions or sees the two men is asked to call Derbyshire police on 101.