News  »  Warnings over criminals posing as police officers

The police have issued two warnings today following recent incidents in which men have posed as police officers.

• In the first, at about 6pm on Tuesday 20th January, a cyclist in his early 20s was stopped and searched near The Ship pub in Northfield Avenue by two men who claimed to be police officers. They found and confiscated £30 in cash and accused him of being a drug dealer on a stolen bike before saying they needed to make a call to carry out some checks on him. The two men then got into a dark-coloured car, and shouted back to the victim ‘You have just been mugged, mate’.
• A further incident occurred on 21st January at Fulbourn Old Drift in Teversham. Two males posing as police officers called on an elderly gentleman at 12.30 at night, making enquiries about a deceased spouse. It is thought they obtained personal details by reading a recent obituary column in the paper. Fortunately no money was handed over, and the gentleman did not allow the men into the house.

Following these incidents, the police are asking members of the public to be cautious.

They say, ‘Always take precautions when answering the door to anyone you do not know. If you are approached by police, the officer should always show their ID; if they don't, ask to see it. If they do not have proof of ID, contact the police via 101, or on 999 if you are in immediate danger. It is very rare for police officers to call without making an appointment first; always be suspicious.’

Anyone with information about either of these incidents should contact the police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.