Con-man wanted

A man who has conned tourists out of cash with the promise of work is wanted by police.

Mount Maunganui Police are currently investigating a number of fraud offences believed to be committed by the same person.

These crimes have been committed across the Western Bay of Plenty and Taupo Areas.

The crimes relate principally to accommodation at hotels and motels, and obtaining cash from tourists with the promise of employment.

This offender is also wanted for the theft of a vehicle from a rental agency in Mount Maunganui, on February 12, 2014.

This vehicle, a white coloured Nissan Tiida, has been recovered by police but is known to have been in this offender's possession in the Western Bay of Plenty and Taupo Areas over the last five days.

Police are appealing for assistance to identify this man who is described as Maori, of medium to stocky build, about 5ft 10, with short black hair and a receding hairline, missing front teeth and tattoos on his left forearm.

Phone Detective Sergeant Darryl Brazier on (07) 577 4300 if you have information about the man or his whereabouts.