Farmers and other landowners in Scotland’s Ayrshire are being warned to be on their guard as conmen posing as environmental inspectors have been ‘confiscating’ equipment in the county.

Several farmers have been approached by men claiming to be SEPA officials carrying out environmental inspections of their premises, before ‘confiscating’ agricultural equipment they claimed did not meet environmental standards.

SEPA’s Ralph Pottie of said farmers worried that someone claiming to be an agency official was lying should ask to see their ID.

“It is highly unusual for a SEPA officer to want to remove any material, other than occasional soil or water samples,” he said.

“All SEPA staff carry appropriate identification and we encourage any farmer or landowner to ask to see it, especially if they don’t recognise the officer.

“Anyone with concerns can also call the SEPA Ayr Office on 01292 294000 to check out the details of any officers visiting them.”

Sam Bond

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