Canal bailiff fraud

Please notify the police if you are approached by an individual posing as a bailiff on the Shropshire Union Canal.

The individual is posing as a bailiff and patrolling officer – he is described as Male, white, early 30's with 6 tattoo's of his children's names down his arm. He patrols on a bike with the word Badger on the front/sides.

There have been several reports of people impersonating Trust enforcement staff, in order to gain information about boats and in one reported case, to get access to 'inspect' the boat.
It is very rare (almost unheard of) that members of the Enforcement Team would need to enter your boat to make an inspection and we would give at least 24 hours' notice in writing before doing so and explain the reasons why.

Our enforcement staff must always be in uniform while carrying out duties along the rivers and canals and will always carry an identity card. If you are in any doubt whatever, their identity can always be verified by calling the normal customer service number – 0303 040 4040 – someone on duty will be able to verify their identity if they are legitimate.

None of the Enforcement Team would feel the slightest bit offended or inconvenienced by you asking for ID, or even taking half an hour to verify their identity by calling in.

This matter has been reported to the police.

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