Man held for multiple counts of staying, not paying

ACT Policing has arrested a 45-year-old Pearce man on multiple counts of making off without paying for accommodation and services in seven hotels and apartment complexes in Canberra.

Police will allege that the man had used a combination of practices to convince the hotel staff of his intent to pay for his accommodation and other charges, such as mini-bar, snacks and food, but in each instance had failed to do so.

Police will allege that the costs incurred through the man’s repeated failure to pay totals more than $23,000.

The premises affected by the alleged offender’s activities were widespread throughout Canberra, from Greenway to Gungahlin.

Senior Constable Raquel James, the Business Liaison Officer attached to ACT Policing’s Crime Prevention team, said that with a busy time coming up for Canberra’s accommodation industry, this case was a reminder of the need for businesses to establish a customer’s bona fides and authenticate any credit cards provided as surety.

The man was arrested and will face the ACT Magistrates Court tomorrow (September 13) charged with multiple counts of making off without payment.