A CINEMA customer unwittingly helped a thief steal a change machine from Cineworld in Huntingdon by helping him carry his heavy haul to a waiting car. Police said the good Samaritan, unaware the man was trying to steal the machine, helped the thief after

A CINEMA customer unwittingly helped a thief steal a change machine from Cineworld in Huntingdon by helping him carry his heavy haul to a waiting car.

Police said the good Samaritan, unaware the man was trying to steal the machine, helped the thief after he buckled under the weight of his booty.

Providing a helping hand, the man assisted the thief in carrying the machine through the main lobby of the cinema at about 4.40pm last Sunday afternoon (December 10) - when the cinema was showing films on all 10 screens - and out through a fire door.

They then loaded the machine into a dirty red Vauxhall Astra.

It was only when the thief drove off with the boot of his car still open that the man realised something was wrong.

It was at that point the man alerted cinema staff to what had happened and the police were called.

A spokesman for Cineworld said: "The theft of the change machine at Cineworld Huntingdon went unnoticed by staff as it occurred during a very busy period over a weekend.

"Helped by the customer the thief exited through a rear fire exit. The machine contained about £200."

The change machine swaps notes for coins and can hold up to £700.

INFORMATION: Anyone with information is asked to contact the Cambridgeshire police on 0845 4564564 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.