Warning about bogus Wirral community patrol officers (From Wirral Globe)

Warning about bogus Wirral community patrol officers

9:40am Friday 31st August 2012 in News By Craig Manning

DOG-walkers are warned to be on their guard following reports that criminals posing as council community patrol officers are issuing on-the-spot fines for dog fouling.

At least two incidents have been reported to the council of men dressed in hi-visibility jackets approaching people out walking their dog in local parks and demanding they pay £50 for not cleaning up after their pets.

In both cases the Council is aware of, the victims did not part with any cash. However, the council is urging other dog walkers to be careful not to fall for this attempted scam.

Cllr Brian Kenny, Wirral council's cabinet member for Environment, said: “There are two very important things for everyone to know about our community patrol officers – one, is that they will always carry Council identification badges with them; if you can’t see it, ask them to produce it.

“Secondly, even if they catch a dog owner blatantly disregarding their responsibilities when it comes to cleaning up after their pet, they will not ask you to pay up immediately, they will issue a Fixed Penalty Notice.

“If you are asked for money by a supposed official, you should politely refuse and when it is appropriate to do so, report it to the police by calling 101. Bona fide officials will not ask for cash on the spot.

“By all accounts these people are targeting older people and are particularly menacing when demanding money. It is vital they are stopped as quickly as possible.”

Merseyside Police have been informed about these reported incidents.