In Australia, of the most common targets of robberies are pokie clubs. The machines house thousands of dollars in each game, and they usually have minimal security compared to casinos. One venue has decided that it will no longer be a victim, as the Maitland Park Bowling Club has decided to increase its security. In 2012, the club was very unlucky. It was robbed five times in just one year.
It was considered an easy target due to its location and its lack of security. Thousands of dollars were stolen from the venue’s poker machines, and staff had been threatened. "We've actually made it about ten times harder to get in and when they get in they can't get at anything because everything is locked away,” says pub owner Ian Rickson. The pub has been outfitted with armed doors, which make it difficult for any criminals to get in.
Once they are inside, the money is locked up tight, so they will experience a hard time when trying to actually rob the machines. According to Rickson, the new security measures will make it a waste of time for any criminal attempting to steal cash. The pub has also installed a security system that will immediately alert the police of a robbery.
The authorities can be at the scene of the crime within ten minutes, giving the criminals little time to escape. Robberies are costly for poker machine clubs and threaten the safety of patrons, so gaming club owners work hard to protect their venues. Robbers think that gaming clubs are easy targets, so it is important that industry professionals make deter criminals from breaking in.
Rickson has stated that he is speaking to other clubs about improving their security. If criminals can no longer target the Maitland Park Bowling Club, they will just move on to the next venue, so it is important that all clubs are prepared to deal with robberies.
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