Police Scotland is appealing for any information following a report of a man acting suspiciously in the Milton Pitches area of Inverness.
The man approached a dog and its owner at around 10.45pm last night, claiming to be a dog warden for Highland Council.
He reportedly told the member of the public he was there due to complaints about dog mess in the park and told the owner their dog needed to checked for a microchip.
The dog walker refused and left the area following a brief altercation.
Police have since been made aware of a similar approach made to a separate individual in the Inshes Park area yesterday morning.
Highland Council has confirmed the man claiming to be employed as a dog warden is not acting for them.
He is described as being in his 50s, of slim to medium build with a black moustache.
He was wearing dark clothing, a dark hat and carrying a fluorescent dog lead.
Inspector Graham Brown said: “We are urging people to be aware of this individual and to carefully check the credentials of anyone claiming to be working as a dog warden.
“We are keen to speak to anyone else who has had a similar approach and anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting NN29276/17.”
Gregor MacCormick, Highland Council’s Senior Environmental Health Officer, said: “The council can confirm that the individual claiming to be a dog warden is not a council dog warden.
“All our officers have council identification badges and will be happy to show this.
“If any member of the public has concerns about anyone claiming to be a dog warden without the appropriate ID we would urge them to phone the police on 101.”
