'Smooth-talking' conman hits Hamilton

Hamilton police are warning people to watch out for a "smooth-talking" conman peddling a hard-luck story.

He claims either his girlfriend or child has an illness and he needs to take them to Napier for treatment - but his car has run out of petrol.

He promises to pay back any cash borrowed and sometimes offers a laptop bag as collateral.

The man was described as European, in his early 20s, about 170cm tall, and of slim build.

He is tanned with medium -length dark hair and a mole on the left side of his face.

Anyone approached by the man was asked to contact police.

- NZPA