Casino takings stolen as employees look on
A man dressed as a security guard helped himself to a Lyon casino's safe on Tuesday.
To those working at Le Pharaon casino, the arrival of a security guard late on Tuesday morning seemed completely normal.
Only one employee thought it odd that he was on his own and alerted his bosses. By then, the security guard had made off with 370,000 euros of the casino's receipts, according to police. Casino managers claimed the amount was less.
The deputy manager of the casino, Arnaud Mourndjan, told AFP the thief was armed with all the necessary keys. "There are several needed, one to get into the building then at least two more to open the safe. He must have had them as the police have not seen any sign of a forced entry."
Investigators are looking into the possibility of an inside job. "We can't confirm he had inside help, but he certainly knew the casino very well and had all the necessary keys to get the money."
The casino is owned by the Partouche Group and operates 47 casinos in France. Le Pharaon was the target of another robbery in April 2010 when five armed men stole several thousands of euros.
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