Story Created: Apr 18, 2009 at 11:17 AM MDT

Story Updated: Apr 18, 2009 at 11:17 AM MDT

HOBOKEN, N.J. (AP) - Hoboken police say a man posing as a waiter collected $186 in cash from diners at two restaurants and walked out with the money in his pocket.

Diners described the bogus waiter as a spikey-haired 20-something wearing a dark blue or black button-down shirt, yellow tie and khaki pants.

Police say he approached two women in their 20s dining at Hobson's Choice on Hudson Street around 7:20 p.m. on Thursday. He asked if they needed anything else before paying. They said no and handed him $90 in cash.

About two hours later he approached three women in their 40s dining at Margherita's Pizza and Cafe on Washington Street. He asked if they were ready to pay, took $96 in cash and never returned with the change they asked for.