PATROLS in an award-winning park have been stepped up - after reports of a man apparently taking coins from a wish pond, reports the Colchester Gazette.

The fisherman appears to use an extendable pole with a magnet on the end to pick up coins from the popular Imola pond in upper Castle Park in Colchester.

His actions have been reported to Colchester Council.

The behaviour came to light after an eagle-eyed resident seemingly caught him in the act on Sunday morning.

At this stage, there is no suggestion the man’s behaviour amounts to a crime, however, the money is usually distributed to the volunteer group the Friends of Castle Park which helps to take care of the award-winning park.

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