Conman complaints stream in

The police issued a warning about the conman who books rooms under false names and leaves without settling his bill.

Dorset Police said that the offender will often know the layout of the premises and pretend that he will return soon to book more rooms, but instead is fleecing publicans out of £200 to £300.

Police described him as slim, white, around 55 years old, with very short grey hair.

Miriam Sanders, of the Kings Head Hotel in Amlwch, Anglesey, North Wales, believes she was targeted on 10 October 2011.

She said: “A very polite and well-dressed gentleman requested a room for a few days while he looked at property to buy in the area.

“The following morning, after a hearty breakfast, he told us that he was popping out to an appointment
with the estate agent and would return with payment for his room.

“As he was so gentle and polite we didn’t think anything of it, however by the following morning he had gone.

“My initial thought was, ‘he’s gone for a newspaper and has fallen ill’, and I was about to call the local hospital but my husband advised me to contact the police instead. I have learnt a very valuable lesson — payment first, room second.”

Peter Lindars, of the Iron Duke pub and hotel in Hove, East Sussex, also said he thinks the conman paid him a visit recently.

He said: “He (the con artist) said he and his colleagues were working in Brighton, took a look at the rooms, ran up a tab, then did a runner.”

Dorset Police is currently awaiting for results of a DNA test before releasing a photograph of the suspect. It has advised licensees to contact local police if they think they have been targeted.

The PMA has relaunched the Eye on the Trade initiative, aiming to fight the cases of licensees who have been ripped off by rogue traders. We want to fight your case and unveil those bad operators trying to take your cash under false pretences. Email your stories to PMA.scams@wrbm.com​