After the cook at Mitta’s Laurel Hotel served 23 meals to tourists on Australia Day, a thief stole about $860 out of the cash register.

The cook was in the kitchen when the theft occurred between 2pm and 4pm from the register at the bar.

Sen-Constable Simon McKenzie, from Tallagatta police, said the thief could have either done the robbery during lunch or entered the premises after the lunch rush.

“She was out the back and someone was in the bar, the way the place is set up its not easy to see,” he said.

“It’s a kick in the guts, she’s very disillusioned.”

There were no markings to indicate the register had been forced open.