0830hrs, 29/08/08
Press Office, Fettes

A man who fraudulently booked himself into a city centre hotel last Friday (August 22) was captured thanks to a hotel security initiative recently launched in the capital.

Amit Khullar (34), from London, was fined £250 and ordered to pay £250 compensation when he appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday (August 25).

He admitted to fraudulently booking into the Radisson SAS hotel on the Royal Mile, after having previously attempted to do so at another hotel in the city centre.

Khullar was caught after his details were circulated to hotels taking part in the 'Checkin' initiative, which encourages hoteliers in the city to share information and intelligence with police, and each other.

CCTV images of Khullar were circulated following his unsuccessful attempt to book a number of rooms at the Balmoral Hotel, and police were alerted when he booked into the Radisson SAS.

Officers attended immediately, and he was duly arrested and charged with fraud. In addition to having to pay a fine and compensation, Khullar also agreed to pay the bill for the rooms booked at the Radisson SAS.

Alex MacLeod, chairman of the Checkin group, said that the incident was an example of how the initiative can help prevent criminal activity on hotel premises.

He said: 'The sharing of information and CCTV is an integral part of how we are protecting our members, and this incident shows how well it can work.

'We look forward to developing our partnership with Lothian and Borders Police, and making sure that our members help to make Edinburgh a safer place to stay for their guests.'

A police spokesman said: 'This incident has highlighted how important it is for hotels in Edinburgh to share information and intelligence on criminals operating on their premises.

'Edinburgh is a massive tourist destination, and as such it is ever more important for hotels to protect their guests and staff.

'Similar type schemes have already proved successful in other cities, and we are delighted that it is already working so well in Edinburgh.'

For further information on Checkin, visit the website www.checkinsecurity.co.uk