Police are on the hunt for a man accused of smashing up poker machines, with the incident caught on video.
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The dramatic vision shows a man playing a poker machine in a north Melbourne hotel before he stands up, grabs the stool he was just sitting on and smashes it into the machine.
The impact causes the machine to rock back and forth, and glass to shatter onto the floor.
"He then grabbed two other chairs and in two separate incidents, again swung the chairs at two other machines. On one occasion another patron had to quickly get out of the way," Victoria Police said.
The man then calmly walks away as bystanders watch on.
The incident occurred in the gaming room of a hotel in Bundoora at 8.15pm on December 30, 2022. Several machines were damaged with repairs to cost around $6000.
Victoria Police released the footage and images of the man who was seen leaving the hotel with a female acquaintance.
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"He is described as aged in his 20s, about 190-195cm tall with a dark complexion. He has black medium length curly hair which is shaved to the left and right of his head. He also has a black moustache and chin beard," officers said.
"He was wearing a grey t-shirt, chino style pants and white runners."
Meanwhile, in NSW cashless gaming machines will begin rolling out this year, as data reveals Australian gamblers lost $2.18 billion to poker machines in just 92 days.
If you witnessed the incident or have information about the identity of the man call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Nadine Morton
I report on crime, emergency services and police matters. Email me on nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
