Couple arrested for scamming dozens of Dutch hotels, restaurants

A couple was arrested for creating large bills and multiple hotels and restaurants in the Netherlands, and then leaving without paying. The two, known as 'Henk and Jolanda', turned themselves in to the police in Assen. "Both suspects were taken to the cell complex", the police said to RTL Nieuws.

Earlier this week hotel Marcant in Tubbergen posted a photo of the duo on their Facebook page. "Does anyone know this couple or know more about these people?" the hotel wrote. "These food pirates have an unpaid bill of no less than 970 euros with us!"

After this photo was posted, over 30 other hotels, bed and breakfasts and restaurants came forward to say that they've also been scammed by this couple, according to Tubantia. The police know about them, spokesperson Chantal Westerhoff said to the newspaper. "We know who these people are, their real identity is known. They are registered throughout the country and have been at it for years." She called on victims to file a declaration.

Hospitality association KHN recommends that hotels have their guests pay in advance, according to RTL. Elly Bakker of Hotel Bieze in Borger already started doing that, after a visit from Henk and Jolanda, she said to the broadcaster. "It means that we now as people for an immediate payment, or a credit card and guarantee so that people can't just leave."