A WESTBOURNE laundrette was targeted by two thieves who managed to break into a washing machine in minutes and steal up to £500.

The two men entered Bournemouth Laundry in Seamoor Road on September 22 at around 9.10am and wandered to the back of the store before attempting to lockpick a machine.

Although one wore a towel around his face, the store's owner, Benjamin Gale, has handed CCTV footage to police.

Ben said: "Two guys, one with nothing covering his face, the other one with a towel walked in but we've got ultra clear CCTV so you can see both their faces.

"They managed to access a high-security box containing cash to an undisclosed amount. It's quite difficult but this guy with the two picks that he had managed to get it open within three minutes."

Ben confirmed that this particular machine can hold between £200-500 and while the exact amount how much is stolen, it is a worry that the men will return. 

After a spate of thefts three years ago, Ben has warned other laundrettes and have begun to prepare for a similar attempt soon.

He said: "There was a spate about three years ago when a gang went around and literally did every single laundrette in the area. I've already alerted other laundrette owners.

"We've all been picked and they're all bracing themselves for the same all over again."

Ben seemed surprised by how effective the men were in picking the locks which led him to believe it was similar behaviour to what the area had seen in previous years. 

Although the machine only accepts small change, over time, it can collect large amounts of money.

The laundrette is owned by Simply Cleaned who also own Boscombe Laundrette.

The Daily Echo has contacted police for comment.