Night patrol of the undercover pooper snoopers

A hit squad of "pooper snoopers" is targeting dog walkers who fail to clean up after their pets.

The 20-strong team of plain clothes wardens prowl north London's streets and parks late at night ready to impose £80 on-the-spot fines.

But the move by Islington council has sparked a "police state" row. A similar trial scheme in Finsbury last year was abandoned after residents complained about what they saw as underhand tactics.

However, the council said today the idea has been resurrected and its wardens regularly patrol dog-mess hotspots across the borough without their usual high-visibility vests and maroon uniforms.

The authority says it wants to target the minority of irresponsible pet owners who allow their dogs to foul pavements and other public areas.

Paul Smith, the council's executive member for environment, said: "We're taking action on behalf of the vast majority of our residents who like us are totally sick of dog mess. There's no excuse. It's disgusting and dangerous, yet a mindless few still let it happen."

The wardens have issued 62 penalty notices since April. All enforcement officers carry identification cards.

Kate Richards, of London's Bone Rangers dog-walking agency, said: "I would be terrified if someone jumped out on me at 4am.

"Using late-night patrols seems to be very heavy handed and snooping around like this is not the right way to go about things. You need to trust people and educate them to pick up."

Crufts winner Robert Stuhldreer, who lives in Holloway, said: "It's positive that Islington council is being pro-active about dog fouling but using undercover officers seems quite draconian. I'm not sure I'd care to be approached by somebody in plain clothes."

Eye-catching adverts by Keep Britain Tidy also went up in Islington this week to remind people that "there's no such thing as the dog poo fairy".