If you go down to Fishdock today watch out for men in disguise. That’s the message from British Transport Police in Manchester who have been called on a number of occasions to deal with people trying to extort money from motorists at the car park near to Victoria rail station.
The criminals, who dress in high-visibility clothing and carry fake identity cards, are collecting discarded car parking tickets and attempt to sell them on to motorists when they arrive at the facility.
And, whilst it may seem legitimate, the tickets they are purchasing are not valid as each displays the registration of the car it has been bought for.
Gill Smyth, crime reduction advisor for BTP, said: “Motorists are being conned into buying tickets from people, they believe, to be car park employees.
“But, in effect, they are risking hefty fines as the tickets they subsequently display are not valid and the motorists could end up with hefty parking penalties.
“Only tickets bought legitimately from the pay and display machines should be used and I urge everyone to be aware of the issue and steer clear of these con-men.”
In recent months BTP officers have dealt with one group who were operating at the car park, but intelligence suggests others are now trying to make money from motorists.
Gill added: “ASBOs were handed out to the previous group who tried to make money in this way and we will not hesitate to use every means at our disposal to take action against anyone else who seeks to profit from this scam.”
If you have been a victim of this crime or have any information in relation to the sale of invalid car park tickets, contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
