Whitby police are appealing for the public’s help to trace a wanted man.

Alexander Carne Hewitt, aged 55, of no fixed address, is wanted on suspicion of fraud after he stayed at a B&B on Crescent Avenue for three nights between Friday 13 January 2012 and Monday 16 January 2012 and left without paying.

He claimed to be visiting his mother in Sleights and paid for the first night of his stay but left on 16 January without paying for the other two nights.

It is believed that Hewitt targets guest houses in coastal resorts and is wanted for similar offences in the Scottish town of Sterling and Llandudno inWales.

Officers are appealing to anyone who sees Hewitt or knows where he is, to contact them with information.

PC Simon Jolly, of Whitby police, said: “Hewitt is wanted for offences in various parts of the country and we are urging the public to help us find him.

“Guest houses and B&Bs can ill-afford to lose money in the current economic climate and it is important that we catch Hewitt before he targets another unsuspecting business.

“Anyone who sees him is urged to contact the police or Crimestoppers with information.”

Anyone who can help the investigation should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 – select option 2 – and ask for PC Simon Jolly orWhitbypolice.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting reference number 12120008171.