A man impersonating a pound officer is roaming the streets of a south-east Queensland city trying to snatch dogs.
Police and the local council have warned Bundaberg residents to remain vigilant after receiving information from dog owners in the Calavos, Alloway and Moore Park areas of a man who had been telling them they had to hand their dogs over to council.
Police said no dogs had been taken.
Three incidents have been confirmed, however Senior Constable Danielle Loftus speculated there could be more that had not been reported.
"It is interesting this person has gone to lengths to wearing clothing similar to pound officers," she said.
The man is described as Caucasian and was wearing a high-visibility coloured vest, last seen driving a white Mitsubishi Triton single cab ute with two cages in the rear.
Bundaberg Regional Council's Health and Regulatory Services spokesman Cr Peter Heuser said anyone who was approached by a council officer should ask for identification.
"While council's animal control officer drives a similar vehicle, the main difference is that council's cages are mounted on a tray back while the ute in question has a weldback/styleside shape with the cages in the back," he said.
"Council officers always carry official identification which can be produced on request."
It is not known why the man was attempting to steal the dogs.
"It is a horrifying prospect that dogs could be taken for an illegal blood sport such as dog fighting or just taken for commercial gain," Cr Heuser said.
Police have asked that anyone who saw the man or vehicle to note the registration and any distinguishable markings on the ute and to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
