Do you know this man? This middle-aged Asian man is alleged
by police to have scammed several shops in the South during
the past week. Photo from NZ Police.
Police are searching for a man they say is a serial
swindler targeting southern food outlets.
During the past week, the man is alleged to have targeted at
least six outlets - including in Dunedin, Frankton, Cromwell
and Kaikoura - by using the same ruse to scam counter staff
of cash.
In each case, the man is reported to have handed over a $100
note when buying a low-cost item such as a drink.
After talking loudly and gesturing, which police say they
believe is to distract staff, he then says he has the right
change in coins and asks for the note back, but not before
pocketing
$40 to $60.
The man is described as a middle-aged Asian, wearing a suit,
Dunedin youth and community services Senior Sergeant Mark
Crawford says.
''This seems to be a fairly specific modus operandi,
involving a $100 bill.''
The man was believed to have been active in the Dunedin area
late last week, targeting two food outlets and a non-food
outlet.
He used the same routine at Subway outlets in Frankton and
Cromwell on Sunday and Kaikoura on Monday, although that
attempt was not successful, police said.
Snr Sgt Crawford warned counter staff to be vigilant when
carrying out transactions, and asked anyone who may have
fallen victim to the scam to contact police.
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