‘Con artist couple’ targets guesthouses in Newcastle
To add to the list of criminal acts, the male suspect was also wanted in Jeffrey’s Bay for fraud and theft cases.
During the festive season criminals and con artists targeted vulnerable victims.
The latest scammers preyed on bed and breakfast establishments and lodges at various places in the country, including Newcastle.
In one such incident, a couple with a baby booked in to a lodge in Newcastle during December.
“Their modus operandi of deceit included attempting to pay for the booked room via bank card, and once the card was declined, the male suspect would say he could withdraw money from an ATM in town,” says Captain Jabulani Ncube, Newcastle SAPS spokesperson.
It was later established by the lodge owners, when CCTV footage was viewed, that the couple had taken a TV from the room.
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Thereafter, the couple attempted to scam two other bed and breakfast establishments in Newcastle, using the same method of deception.
They were reported to be travelling in a white Chevy Spark when the crimes were perpetrated.
“Police traced the registration number to identify the owner of the vehicle, who happens to be the female suspect’s father,” continues Capt. Ncube.
The woman’s father gave the car to her while she was studying in Stellenbosch.
“The owner of the vehicle confirmed his daughter became acquainted with the male suspect last year, and he has been struggling to contact his daughter for the past 12 months.”
Two days before arriving in Newcastle the male suspect was spotted at a Tzaneen establishment, where a TV was also reported stolen.
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To add to the list of criminal acts, the male suspect was also wanted in Jeffrey’s Bay for fraud and theft cases.
Capt Ncube confirms both suspects were arrested in December in the Hluhluwe, north coast area, using the same M.O, where they were committing a similar offence.
“The couple will face charges of theft and fraud,” confirms Capt Ncube.
SAPS tips to guest-house owners:
– Verify the personal information of their guests.
– If suspicious activities are suspected, they must not hesitate to contact the SAPS.
– They must increase security measures e.g. cameras outside (guest rooms and parking bays).
– They must also consider physical security in the form of regular foot patrols.
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