A CON artist has swindled thousands of pounds out of hoteliers, bed and breakfast owners and people he has befriended in Weymouth and Portland.

Police are urging members of the community to be alert about the man who is committing ‘despicable crimes’ by preying on unsuspecting people.

A guesthouse owner at Portland Bill, who did not wish to be named, said the man, calling himself Martin Baker, cost them £200 when he left without paying after four nights.

The 72-year-old said: “He turned up on foot looking for some B&B accommodation.

“He said he was interested in buying The Pulpit, he’d really done his homework and gave us lots of facts and figures about the pub trade.

“He was so plausible, we don’t know anything about the pub trade so we thought ‘fair enough’.

“He stayed for four nights B&B, at £50 a night, but he also wheedled his way in and had evening meals with us and met our friends.

“When I asked for the money he said he’d get it the next day but then we returned from a day trip to Fareham and he was gone.

“I’ve heard that he’s conned at least two other people out of money.”

The guesthouse owner took a photo of Mr Baker after his wife became suspicious that all his belongings – shower gels and aftershave were from hotels – and police are now using it as part of their inquiries.

Clothing left at the B&B was also taken for DNA evidence.

Mr Baker told the guesthouse owner he was 38 and from the London area.

He is described as being of neat appearance, with tanned skin, a medium build with short dark hair and tattoos on his left leg and left inner forearm.

Landlord of the Pulpit Inn, Danny Fox said Mr Baker visited the pub several times and asked a lot of questions about the turnover but he did not trust him so told him to go through a solicitor.

Mr Fox said: “I didn’t approve of him, he said he was staying in Abbotsbury but then I heard he was at a house just up the road.

“He was obviously up to something, he reckoned he had plenty of money and owned a warehouse and five pubs but I just thought it’s too good to be true. I sniffed him. He was a likeable rogue.”

PC Richie White said: “This guy is using B&Bs around the Weymouth and Portland area and leaving without paying.

“He’s a bit of a con man and he’s also taken at least £1,000 off somebody in cash that we’re aware of.

“He conned another couple out of £100 or so by saying he could get some cheap wine for them.

PC White added: “I’m a bit worried that this guy is going to continue in this manner.

“These are despicable crimes where the suspect has preyed on good citizens who take people at face value, not for one moment believing that they would be defrauded in such a manner.

“I think he’s probably still in the Portland area and I’m urging people to contact me about his whereabouts.”

Anyone with information is urged to call PC Richie White on 01305 222222.