PUNTERS attending the Cheltenham Festival are being warned not to 'flash the cash' after money was stolen from hotel rooms in a Chipping Campden hotel.

The break-ins happened at the Noel Arms Hotel, in High Street, between 7.15pm and 8pm yesterday evening (Tuesday).

Thieves entered three rooms occupied by elderly gentlemen who were in the area attending Cheltenham Races and once inside took several thousand pounds worth of cash.

Kim Mowday, Harm Reduction Advisor, said: “Being the victim of a theft from an empty hotel room is a miserable experience and can ruin what should be a pleasurable and relaxing time.

“We would advise that if you do have a large amount of cash on you then we recommend that you use the hotel’s safe facilities either the hotel’s safe or if available safes in the room.

"Be aware that sadly at this time of year some people will be on the look-out for people with cash on display, so please if you must carry it all around keep it well hidden. Don’t ‘Flash the Cash’.”

Anyone who may have information on this incident is asked to contact Gloucestershire Police on 101, quoting incident number 386 of March 11.