Bogus officers warning

[zimmo]

Date: 10th November 2004
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Environment Agency Wales are asking people to check the identity of its enforcement officers, following recent reports of an individual approaching people, claiming to be an Agency officer.

To be sure the officer is genuine people should always:

1. Ask to see their Warrant of Identity.
2. Ask for their name and the location of the officer they report to.


3. Ask for a phone number that you can contact and obtain positive verification of the officer.

Emyr Jones, Agency Team Leader for Special Enforcement in north Wales said: " We employ a number of officers who carry out many environmental protection duties. The Agency wish to highlight security measures to help people confirm the identity of its officers when they deal with the public. All Agency staff carry identification, and will produce this when they approach people in the course of their duties. The Agency would therefore ask that the three simple checks be made to confirm the person is who they say they are. "

If people are in any doubt as to the identity of any caller, make a note of any vehicle that may be involved and the person’s description and call the Police immediately. Also call the Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60.

Sgt Peter Charleston of North Wales Police said: " We are concerned about reports of people visiting fisheries in the North Wales Police area, claiming to be Environment Agency water bailiffs, and in some instances taking money from anglers. A number of criminal offences are committed in these circumstances and we would welcome any information as to who may be responsible."

North Wales Police can be contacted on:

0845 607 1001 (Welsh)
0845 607 1002 (English)

Or Information can be passed to Crimestoppers on 0850 555 111. You do not have to give your name and you may get a reward.

[thornabyangler]

I nearly got a bogus officer a year ago.He asked me for my liscence,when i produced it he tried to run off with it,Luckily for me another angler caught him (and after giving him a thick ear)returned my liscence to me.After that experiance I will be sure to ask for id!That is on the unlikely occasion that a bailiff comes down the tees!!

[The Traveler]

youve got to get to know them all thornaby angler then they jus walk past and say hello,tees bailiffs,lol,yer must be onabout the balilifs that operate upriver from the barrage,think yer self very very lucky it werent the pickering lot who look after the estuary,that would have been fun for yer!!.
Who checked yer andy nailor?