N INTERNATIONAL credit card scam running into thousands of pounds has been uncovered at a top Hampshire restaurant.

Police believe the scam had been going on since May, with restaurant customers' credit card details used to order goods and services from as far afield as America.

Items seized included numerous car accessories and video tapes - some of which were pornographic - and a selection of credit card receipts.

Investigations centred on a city centre restaurant in Southampton, which the Daily Echo has agreed not to name at the request of police.

The operation was headed by Pc Mike Florit, of Southampton Central police, with help from his colleagues in the station's specialist town centre unit. Acting Sergeant Dave Smith praised Pc Florit for uncovering a major retail scam.

"Pc Florit has done brilliantly " he said. "This was an excellent piece of investigative police work."

The investigation began several weeks ago following a complaint from the mail order department of Argos' Southampton store.

Goods had been ordered over the phone by credit card but the payment details were subsequently found to be fraudulent.

Inquiries by Pc Florit unveiled a further seven compromised credit card accounts, all of which were traced back to the same restaurant.

Acting Sergeant Smith said: "As a result of investigations into purchases, a point of compromise was found and a suspect identified."

Police arrested a 49-year-old barmaid and an unemployed 17-year-old youth at an address in Bitterne, Southampton, in connection with the investigation. They have been interviewed and released on police bail pending further inquires.

Acting Sergeant Smith said restaurant bosses had been aware of the police investigation and had co-operated fully.

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