Guest scams hotels for free stays by releasing mice into his rooms

A MAN in Utah allegedly tried to get free hotel stays by releasing mice and hamsters into his room and then complaining about it.

Ryan Sentelle State reportedly tried the scam several times, and with great success.

, the 37-year-old would release the rodents once he checked into his room.

He would then complain to the staff, and point out the faeces left by the mice and hamster he released.

After staff discovered the animals, the hotels would then be forced to contact pest control.

In several cases, the hotel rooms were left damaged by Ryan and his rodents according to the report.

Ryan admitted to Salt Lake City police that he had attempted the scam at least three times in different hotels in Utah.

However, he's likely to have targeted "many more hotels" according to the police.

Police said that of the three hotels they investigated, two of them had refunded Ryan after he complained.

They said that Ryan is now facing criminal charges, including two charges of theft by deception and three for criminal mischief.

All five are considered class B misdemeanors.

If found guilty, Ryan would face up to six month in jail and a fine of up to $1,000 (£766.24) under Utah law.

Sun Online Travel previously revealed why you should always email your hotel to avoid getting scammed.

We also rounded up some of the most common travel scams.

Brits heading to Malaga and Florida are most likely to be scammed according to a previous report.

Sun Online Travel has contacted Salt Lake City police for comment.