Lincolnshire Police and the Environment Agency are warning members of the public that a bogus ‘officials’ may be at work in Lincolnshire.
The Environment Agency have reported that an individual has been posing as a ‘bailiff’ where the man concerned allegedly checks fishing licenses, and asks for on-the-spot fines when anglers do not produce their licence.
The Environment Agency have confirmed that Officers do not ask for payment or on-the-spot fines. A genuine Agency bailiff (otherwise known as a Fisheries Enforcement Officer) will not take money on the bank side, or ask for money to be sent to them at a later date.
In a seperate incident it was reported by Lincolnshire Police in Sleaford that there have been individuals posing as plain clothes police officers. A man and a woman knocked on a door claiming to be CID officers, but – when challenged by the residents for their ID – left the area.
The woman was white, around 40-years-old and had long dark hair. She was dressed in a suit and a long coat and had rimmed glasses. The man was also around 40, had grey hair and was dressed in a long mac.
If approached by anyone claiming to be a Bailiff or official residents should ensure that they ask for, and check their identification, and never under any circumstances, pay money for on-the-spot fines.
Anyone with concerns about suspicious activity regarding an Environment Agency ‘Bailiff’ is asked to contact the Environment Agency 24-hour incident hotline number 0800 80 70 60. If you have information about a bogus official or feel you have been the victim of a crime, residents are advised to contact Lincolnshire Police on 101.