Scam Alert Hits Local Parks
Residents in Adur and Worthing are being warned after scammers posing as environmental enforcement officers tried to rip off the public. Last week, a dog walker in Worthing’s Beach House Park was stopped by two men claiming they were enforcing a Public Space Protection Order. The pair slapped a bogus £1,000 fine on the walker and demanded a quick payment to dodge a formal penalty.
Residents Beware: Don’t Fall for Fake Officers
Thankfully, the dog owner smelled a rat and refused to cough up cash or hand over personal details. Since then, similar scams have popped up at Lancing Beach Green, Homefield Park, and Denton Gardens. Adur & Worthing Councils launched an investigation and confirmed these fraudsters are NOT council staff or linked to their enforcement partner, National Enforcement Solutions (NES).
How to Spot Real Enforcement Officers
- Always ask for official photo ID.
- Genuine NES officers wear branded uniforms and carry body cameras.
- All legitimate fines come with a formal receipt.
Sussex Police have been alerted and are probing the scam attempts. Locals are urged to stay sharp and report any dodgy encounters immediately.
