MORE than 20 guesthouses may have been scammed across Hampshire, Wiltshire and Dorset.

Police in Hampshire investigating the scam are warning owners to be vigilant.

Between March and August this year more than 20 similar reports have been received across the three counties.

In many cases a man has booked a room for a night and subsequently advised that a parcel will be delivered for him. The man then arrives, checks in, collects the parcel and normally leaves without staying the night.

It appears that the parcels contain mobile phones that have been ordered for contracts set up using unknowing victims’ details.

Detectives investigating these incidents are now asking B&B and guesthouse owners who have encountered a similar situation to be vigilant and to contact them.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Police Staff Investigator Richard Lynham at Lyndhurst police station on 101 quoting 44140276688 or via the website http://www.hampshire.police.uk/internet/do-it-online/online-forms/message-for-officer.html You can also call the charity Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously.

Minicom users should call 01962 875000.

A 37-year-old man from London has been arrested in relation to this investigation on suspicion of a number of offences of fraud and has been bailed until 24 October pending further enquiries.