SOFTLY-softly thieves broke into a Marlborough hotel on Sunday night by getting in through a leaded glass window.

Police said there would have been little noise created as the thief or thieves pulled the glass out of the soft lead at the Bear Hotel.

Once inside the burglars headed straight for the fruit machine, which was due to be emptied the next day, and forced it open, stealing £200 to £300 in coins. They ignored bottles of spirits at the bar and escaped with just the cash from the fruit machine.

They left the hotel the same way they entered, through the side window in The Parade.

They made no noise to wake the pub staff and guests, who were sleeping in the rooms over the bar.

The break-in occurred between 12.30am and 8am on Monday.

Police want to hear from any one who saw suspicious activity near the hotel or from an shopkeeper or bank clerk who is asked to change a rather large amount of coins.

All information to WPC Jacqui Simons at Marlborough Police Station, (01672) 512311.