Dog mess patrols go undercover in Cheshire
Council patrols in Cheshire are going undercover to target dog owners who do not clean up their pet's mess.
Plain-clothed officers will be patrolling parks and streets in Cheshire East, where dog fouling has become a particular problem.
A council spokesman said: "Not only is it unattractive but poses a severe health risk, particularly to children."
Owners who do not pay a £50 fine may face prosecution or a fine up to £1,000.
Community safety operations manager for Cheshire East Council, Jan Griffith, said the undercover procedures followed several attempts to target irresponsible dog owners.
To raise awareness about dog fouling, community officers have previously employed high-visibility patrols and leaflet distribution.