Retro Computer Museum in Leicester Considers Cashless Operations After Break-In

Retro Computer Museum in Leicester Considers Cashless Operations After Break-In The Retro Computer Museum, a cornerstone for classic gaming and computer enthusiasts in Leicester, UK, is recovering from a recent break-in that has prompted the organization to consider moving to cashless payment systems.

Known for its extensive collection of vintage computers, consoles, handhelds, and rare arcade machines—including rare items like the Playboy handheld and fully-operational Virtuality VR units—the museum has long been a hub for the preservation and celebration of gaming history. On Friday, April 11th, the museum was broken into, marking yet another setback following its recent recovery from significant flood damage.

A masked individual entered the premises, specifically targeting cash kept on-site.

Security footage and subsequent reports indicate that the perpetrator broke into the cash till and made off with collection buckets before leaving the building.

Fortunately, the museum confirmed that none of the invaluable display pieces, which feature a sizable historical catalogue, were stolen. In a statement to the BBC, a museum spokesperson clarified the scope of the losses: “The break-in seems to have been deliberately aimed at seizing cash from the museum.

The float in the till, along with anything in our donation buckets, was taken.

The amount in the till totaled a few hundred pounds, while the contents of the donation buckets are uncertain but likely to have been only a small sum.” Beyond the direct financial loss, the museum faced additional disruption as Saturday revenues were impacted.

Pre-booked visitors were unable to enjoy full access to the venue and were given the opportunity to rebook for a later date.

Museum representatives highlighted that no cash will be stored on the premises going forward and revealed, "We are now exploring the option of moving to a cashless operation entirely," as part of enhanced security measures. While the swift action prevented the loss of any historic gaming artifacts, the museum’s leadership acknowledges the incident could have lingering effects on both operations and visitor experience.

The Retro Computer Museum continues to draw local and international visitors with its interactive exhibits and commitment to gaming heritage, sustaining its mission amidst challenges. As the museum looks ahead, adopting cashless payments—through contactless or card transactions—could serve both to enhance security and modernize visitor interactions.

Such changes align with broader trends across cultural institutions and could help ensure the sustainability and safety of this beloved Leicester destination for years to come.

Retro Computer Museum Leicester