The City of London Police force is reminding conference delegates in the Square Mile to safeguard their belongings from fraudsters. he advice comes as detectives ask for the public’s help to find a suspected bank card fraudster who targeted a City hotel’s conference room.
The man is believed to have entered a hotel conference room in November 2011, and taken a bank card and driving licence from a delegate’s jacket, before using the items to withdraw cash from the victim’s bank account. Detectives are releasing an image of the man they’d like to speak to in connection with the fraud. He is described as white, in his thirties or forties and of large build. At the time of the offence he was clean shaven and smartly dressed in a flat tweed cap and a mid-length, light-coloured rain mack.
Investigating officer, DC Sian Astley, said: “The suspect’s smart appearance meant he gave the delegates little cause for concern when he entered the hotel’s conference room but this was just a rouse to commit theft. By the time the victim realised his bank card and driving licence had been taken, thousands of pounds had been stolen from his bank account.
“I believe this man has links to Warwickshire. I need the public’s help to track this man down and in the meantime, it is important that conference delegates keep their valuable out of reach of fraudsters.”
Anyone who knows the whereabouts of this man should call DC Sian Astley on 020 7601 2690 or the City of London Police Control Room on 020 7601 2222. Or, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.
