Residents in Adur and Worthing are being warned after scammers posing as environmental enforcement officers attempted to defraud the public in local parks.
Last week, a dog walker in Worthing’s Beach House Park was approached by two men claiming to enforce a Public Space Protection Order. The men issued a fake £1,000 fine and demanded immediate payment to avoid a formal penalty.
Fortunately, the dog walker suspected the scam and refused to pay or provide personal information. Since then, similar incidents have been reported at Lancing Beach Green, Homefield Park, and Denton Gardens.
Adur & Worthing Councils have launched an investigation and confirmed that the individuals involved are not council employees nor connected to their enforcement partner, National Enforcement Solutions (NES).
To help residents identify genuine enforcement officers, the councils advise always asking for official photo identification. Authentic NES officers wear branded uniforms, carry body cameras, and issue formal receipts with any fines.
Sussex Police have been informed and are investigating the scam attempts. Locals are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious encounters immediately.
Originally published by UKNIP.
