Warning after scammers target drivers in car parks

The council said five or six suspected incidents had been reported

Scammers have been trying to steal people's bank details by telling them parking payment machines have malfunctioned, a Leicestershire council has warned.

Oadby and Wigston Borough Council said it had received reports of men in high-vis jackets approaching motorists in car parks over the last month.

The men have been posing as council staff, telling drivers contactless payment meters are not working, then watching them enter their pin numbers into the machines.

The council said its staff would never approach people in this way.

The authority said incidents had been reported in the Sandhurst Street car park in Oadby and the Paddock Street and Junction Road car parks in Wigston.

Leicestershire Police said a further incident was reported in the Aylestone Lane car park in Wigston on Wednesday.

The force is investigating the reports.

A council spokesperson said: "We are now carrying out increased patrols in our car parks and using our channels to ask the public to remain vigilant.

"We would also like to reiterate that our officers would never approach people like this and they will always be carrying ID.

"We urge anyone who sees anything suspicious to report it to us and to the police and to spread the word to their family and friends."