Clubs stung by fake vending machine workers

BT

Several Brisbane clubs and pubs have been hoodwinked into handing over their cigarette vending machines to thieves disguised as servicemen.

Police say two men, dressed in high visibility reflective yellow vests, dark pants and work shirts, removed several cigarette vending machines, which also contained cash, on Wednesday from businesses on Brisbane's southside.

A third man, who has not been identified, was driving the removal truck which ferried the machines.

The brazen bandits first struck at a club on Beenleigh-Redland Bay Road, Carbrook at 8.30am on Wednesday.

Their next victim was a club on Pine Mountain Road, Carindale at 2pm and their third theft of the day was a hotel on Gosport Street, Hemmant at 6pm.

Police say the men attempted to take a cigarette machine at a Cleveland Hotel just before 11am on Wednesday, but left empty-handed after paperwork could not be produced.

Police have issued a warning to businesses to demand paperwork and request workers' credentials for unscheduled maintenance work or removals.