Poop patrols will soon be walking Sutton’s streets in a bid to crack down on owners who fail to clean up their dog’s mess.

The council’s Street Scene officers will join forces with the Safer Parks police for the operation, which starts next month.

Anyone spotted failing to clean up their dog’s poop could be hit with a £50 fine.

If they fail to pay, it could increase to £1,000.

The patrols will take place near schools, parks and in residential areas where residents have identified dog fouling problems.

Officers will also hand out free poop bags to dog walkers throughout the operations.

Councillor Colin Hall, from Sutton Council, said: “There is no excuse for failing to clean up after your dog. It’s disgusting, antisocial and one of those environmental crimes that really riles people.

“These new patrols will crack down on the minority who think it is OK to let animals foul our parks and pavements.”

To report incidents of dog fouling call the council on 020 8770 5070 or report it online at sutton.gov.uk.