Dog-walkers warned to beware of bogus patrol officers demanding cash (From Wirral Globe)

Dog-walkers warned to beware of bogus patrol officers demanding cash

9:36am Wednesday 19th September 2012 in News

Wirral dog-walkers are being warned to be on their guard against conmen posing as Wirral Council community patrol officers and demanding money with menaces from vulnerable victims.

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 an on-the-spot £50 fine for not cleaning up after their pets have fouled.

It appears that in both cases, the victims did not part with any cash.

Now the local authority is urging other dog-walkers to be careful not to fall for this attempted scam.

Councillor Brian Kenny, cabinet member for environment, said it is understood the bogus officers are targeting older people and "are particularly menacing when demanding money."

He 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.

"It is vital they are stopped as quickly as possible."

Merseyside Police have been informed about the reported incidents.