MOTORISTS have been warned to watch out for illegal clampers who have targeted cars parked outside a doctor's surgery.

Several cars have been clamped illegally in Maidstone since the beginning of the year, with the conmen operating in areas near the Brewer Street surgery and Topps Tiles, Barker Road.

Temporary signs were put up outside the surgery to fool drivers, and the clamping was carried out after working hours, so it was not possible to check whether it was authorised.

At least one member of the public and a staff member's son both used a small car park at the doctor's surgery and were clamped by the offenders who then demanded £80 to free their vehicles.

The practice manager, who asked not to be named, said: "They turned up with a big white van and put up a little sign saying 'Clamping in operation'.

"The son of the district nurse was clamped, but after she spoke to the clampers they took the clamp off.

"He didn't pay them, because he smelt alcohol on their breath and they didn't seem right to him."

Det Sgt Nick Sparkes said: "Anyone who returns to their vehicle and believes that it has been illegally clamped, should not pay the fine and contact Maidstone and Malling Police immediately.

"If you say to a bogus clamper: 'I don't think this is right, I'm going to call the police', the chances are they will disappear quite quickly."

He warned the public not to get into confrontation and to look after their own safety.

You can contact DS Sparkes on 01622 608182, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 with information.