Fraudsters target Hunter hotel TAB machines

Police say at least three TAB gaming machines have been the subject of fraud attacks in the Hunter Valley.

It is believed the same three offenders struck the Neath Hotel, the Caledonia Hotel at Aberdare and the Railway Hotel at Cessnock on Sunday afternoon.

Police say the offenders are targeting gaming areas with only one staff member.

Senior Constable Juan Mahony says they disable a machine and strike while the employee is preoccupied.

"The staff person goes over to see what the problem is with the machine," he said.

"Then someone is taking advantage of the machines left unattended and someone's leaning across the bar and putting their own bets or transactions in."

Senior Constable Mahony is urging Hunter region hotels to be vigilant in the wake of the attacks.

"It's pretty cunning in a way, but also we take this opportunity to warn licensed premises to be more vigilant regarding any incidence where a staff member may be working alone."

Source: ABC News, 4 June 2013