PUB landlords are being warned that one of the country's most plausible tricksters - who is wanted by 14 police forces - is at large.

Known as the Bogus Barman, he is a distinctive looking thief who talks his way into a bartender's job, then vanishes with the takings.

Already this year, the man, calling himself Simon Lee, has turned up at a pub near Leyburn, in Wensleydale, North Yorkshire, where he was hired as a barman.

Two days later, he disappeared with several hundred pounds of the pub's takings.

Changing his name almost as often as he changes his car, the con-man has also made off without paying for his keep at local bed and breakfasts and hotels.

A police spokesman said: "The Bogus Barman is plausible and seems to have little difficulty in persuading landlords to take him on. He quickly emerges as a poor barman, lacking confidence and experience. He is quick, though, to find out where the takings are kept."

Described as about 5ft 10in, in his late 20s and of medium build, he has short, very curly light ginger hair and wears glasses. He also has distinctive teeth - one of his upper teeth is black and decayed.

He speaks with a Wiltshire accent, and is quiet and mild in his manner.

Detective Constable Alan Hope, of Northallerton police, said: "Anyone approached by this man for a job or for accommodation should call the police immediately. He is travelling the country cheating people out of their earnings, and he needs to be stopped."

Anyone with information about the man is asked to call police on (01609) 783131.