INTOXICATED night-time revellers are falling victim to a scam involving the sale of nitrous oxide canisters, detectives have warned.

Dorset Police is currently investigating a spate of reported fraud and robbery incidents in Bournemouth.

Detectives have urged members of the public to remain vigilant while enjoying a night out in the town.

Bournemouth CID is looking into five similar incidents that occurred in the town centre where people on a night out were reportedly targeted.

Several of the victims reported handing over their phones to a group of men they met during the night to make online payments to purchase items such as nitrous oxide canisters from them, only to subsequently find that a number of fraudulent transactions have been carried out and their SIM card or apps have been removed from their phone.

Other victims reported being taken to cash machines while intoxicated and having bank cards and cash stolen.

Three of the incidents occurred on the night of Friday, August 27, into the early hours of Saturday, August 28, with a further incident reported in the early hours of Sunday, August 29.

A previous incident of a similar nature was also reported in the early hours of Sunday 22 August 2021.

The locations of the incidents include the areas of Horseshoe Common and The Triangle, which are both busy parts of the night-time economy.

Following enquiries, two men – aged 22 and 23 – from London and a 20-year-old man of no fixed abode have been arrested on suspicion of fraud and robbery. They are assisting detectives with their enquiries.

Detective Constable Steve Allen, of Bournemouth CID, said: “These incidents reportedly involve the targeting of people who are intoxicated and their personal details are obtained.

“We would like to urge members of the public to make sure they never hand their phones over to anyone on a night out and to ensure you look after members of your party who appear to be intoxicated and in a vulnerable state.

“We would also urge people to keep their bank cards safe, only carry small amounts of cash and be aware of your surroundings as much as possible.”

Recreational use of nitrous oxide, also known as NOS or laughing gas, has increased significantly over the past decade.

The colourless gas is sold in canisters and usually inhaled using a balloon.

It is not illegal to possess nitrous oxide, however, anyone caught giving away or selling cannisters could be prosecuted due to the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016.

Anyone with information about the Bournemouth fraud and robbery incidents should contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk, by emailing 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210138944.

Alternatively, to stay anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.

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