POLICE are urging residents to check credentials after reports of a bogus rat catcher operating in Furness.

Reports have surfaced that an illegitimate rat catcher charging upwards of £42 is offering work around the Dalton and Barrow area.

According to the action group, Dalton Community Action, there have been reports of a bogus rat catcher touting for work among local businesses.

The group is urging the public to remain vigilant of any supposed rat catchers looking for work in the local area.

A spokesman for Dalton Community Action group said: “Please be aware of a bogus rat catcher in the town.

“We have just been made aware from a local business that a bogus rat catcher is going round touting for work and charging upwards of £42

“If anyone calls telling you they are removing rats please get a description and report it to the police via the 101 email 101Emails@cumbria.police.uk.”

Pest control can be carried out by both Barrow Borough Council and within the commercial sector.

A spokeswoman for Cumbria Police confirmed officers were aware of concerns around a bogus rat catcher but have not received any direct reports.

They are advising any residents concerned about fraudulent pest control workers to contact trading standards about the issue.

PC Sam Creegan of Barrow and Dalton Neighbourhood Policing Team is urging residents to check credentials and ID to prove pest control workers are who they say they are.

PC Creegan said: “Police would urge residents to ensure that any person offering any service have the correct credentials and ID and are who they say they are.

“If you are unsure you can contact Barrow Borough Council or Trading Standards on 01539 713594.”