Lone fraudster continues to target pubs with accommodation

The suspect visits pubs with the promise of future bookings, and then leaves without settling his bill.

He targeted the Queensberry Arms Hotel in Annan, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, on 2 July.

According to a police report, the man booked in, had a meal and cashed a cheque that was stolen.
He left without paying for his stay or meal.

A police spokesman said: “We are dealing with a case of fraud at the Queensberry Arms Hotel in Annan. On Monday, 2 July, a man called at the hotel and booked in, had a meal and cashed a cheque.

“The man left the hotel without settling his account, and it turns out the cheque cashed was, in fact, stolen.

“The man is described as being 6ft 2in, slim build, aged 50 to 55, with grey/ginger hair, is balding, and  spoke with an English accent. The man had a long, dark tattoo on his right forearm.”

A similar incident took place at a pub in Buxton, Derbyshire, just days beforehand on Thursday, 28 June.

The licensee, who did not want to be named, said: “A man came in and asked for my dad by name — my dad used to run the pub before me. He said he was a builder working for a local pub landlady and booked in for three nights.

He said there would be more people coming to stay in a few days.

“He ran up a bar bill of around £50 and spent £17.50 on dinner at a local restaurant that we have a deal with because we don’t offer food.

“He also managed to convince a member of staff to cash a cheque for £80 when I was out. He had done his research.”

Derbyshire Police confirmed they had launched an investigation.

“At midday on 28 June a man entered the pub and booked three nights’ accommodation using an unauthorised Visa debit card.

“He cashed a cheque, which was found to be stolen and left without paying for food and drinks he’d consumed.”