Police have released a CCTV image of a man they want to identify as they investigate a suspected scammer who stole hundreds from pubs.

On the afternoon of Friday, June 28, a man entered a pub in Wareham and went to pay for items with what was believed to be a stolen card. He is believed to have tampered with the card machine and fraudulently inflated the price, so it overcharged him.

He then proceeded to point out the error and ask for a refund. The staff member did not then realise that he then used a different card when the money, which was several hundred pounds, was repaid.

A similar incident occurred at a venue in Ferndown on the evening of Thursday, July 11, which is believed to have involved the same man and again related to an amount worth several hundred pounds.

Detective Constable Mike White, of Dorset Police, said: “We are carrying out enquiries into these incidents and are now in a position to issue an image of a man we would like to identify.

“I would urge anyone who recognises him to please contact us.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to urge bars and pubs to be vigilant when customers are making payments using a card machine.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240107742.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.