WARNINGS are being fired out to landlords and licensees after robbers smashed into six pubs and social clubs and emptied fruit machines during late-night weekend raids.

In the past fortnight police say ten venues have been targeted with smash and grab thieves usually striking between midnight and 2am.

Crooks, thought to be working in a team, are breaking into pubs and clubs and then looting cigarette and fruit machines. It is believed they could be getting away with up to £200 a machine in change and causing thousands of pounds more damage.

During the early hours of last Friday, Saturday, and Sunday six pubs and clubs at least are thought to have been hit by the gang.

Detective Inspector Steve Lowe said: "We would appeal to the public to let us know if they know of anyone who have recently acquired large quantities of coins or selling cigarettes.

"We recognise this is a problem and a team of detectives are working with neighbourhood officers to apprehend the offenders."

Spotted anything suspicious? Call police on 0151 777 856969 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.