Hertfordshire police have issued a warning after a man dressed as a traffic warden to fine Hemel Hempstead shoppers.

The constabulary revealed this afternoon (Wednesday, April 17) that the individual had been attempting to fine people in car parks near Halfords and Tesco.

One driver was asked to pay a fine using a bank card, which then went missing.

A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Constabulary said: "Please be extremely suspicious if you are approached in this manner.

"If you are asked to pay an on-the-spot fine in a car park, decline and request a penalty notice.

"If you are suspicious about the authenticity of the notice, do not pay it until you have verified it with your local council."

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Crimes can be reported to Hertfordshire police online at www.herts.police.uk/ro/report or by calling the police's non-emergency number 101.

Hertfordshire police's web chat function can be used by visiting herts.police.uk/contact.

Anonymous information can be given by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.