Following reports of suspicious behaviour from a customer at two clubs in Maryport, Cumbria, the Bacta security team has encouraged members to remain vigilant over tracking devices on machines.

The team posted images of the individual on 31 March after it was claimed he emptied machines in two clubs, a betting shop and a pub, however no charges have been made and only tracking devices found.

“The male in the image circulated on 31/3/25 has been identified as Mark Johnson who resides in Morecambe in Lancashire,” wrote the security team. “His image was originally circulated as his conduct and behaviour in Maryport appeared to be of a suspicious nature. Mark is a regular customer to inland and seaside arcades in the North-West and is known to staff. At these arcades his conduct is what you would expect from a normal customer.”

A tracker was found on one machine at a club premises, however the machine had not been tampered with. 

“It has not been determined at this stage why or who placed a tracker on one of the machines which has been examined.”