Have You Seen Champagne Charlie?

Officers in Westminster are appealing for help in tracking down a man who is believed to have conned more than £11,000 in cash out of people across London by offering them a deal on cheap champagne.

The conman, known to officers as 'Champagne Charlie,' visits offices and poses as a businessman from a neighbouring company.  He tells victims that he has bottles of Bollinger Champagne left over from a work function which he will sell on to them at a relatively cheap price.  However, once they hand over the money (usually around £1,00-£1,500), he leaves to get the champagne but does not return.

He is believed to have committed numerous offences across London including in the boroughs of Kingston, Southwark, Westminster, Lambeth, Camden, Hackney, Hammersmith & Fulham and the City. He is also believed to have links with the Brighton and Southwick areas.

The conman is described as: white, in his fifties, approximately 5'10'', medium build, with short dark receding hair, blue eyes and a tattoo on his right forearm with the name 'Sharon'. He always wears a shirt and tie.

Investigating officer, DC Anna Petherbridge, said: "He is friendly and engaging in his manner and gives his victims little cause for concern, however, he is slowly conning a lot of people out of a lot of money and we need the public's help to track him down.  We are keen to hear from anyone may know of his whereabouts."

Anyone with information should call the Met Police non-emergency number 101.  Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.