WOMAN PULLED OVER BY PHONY COPS

WOMAN APPROACHED BY PAIR WITH BADGES

MEN posing as police officers and holding fake badges have tried to pull over a young woman in Hamlyn Heights.

The woman, who wished to remain anonymous, locked herself in the car and called police after she was pulled over by two men in high-vis vests while she driving alone along Church St on Sunday night.

Geelong police have launched an investigation into the incident, which happened about 9.30pm on Sunday.

Police media spokeswoman Belinda Batty said the victim told police the men were holding replica police badges and wearing reflective type clothing.

“Investigators have been told a woman was approached by one of the men in a high-vis top and a badge about 9.30pm on the corner of Vines Rd and Church St,” Ms Batty said.

“The woman, who was in her car at the time, locked the door and called police and the men fled.”

No arrests have yet been made and the investigation is ongoing.

She said were not aware of police impersonation being a “prevalent issue” in the area, but warned anyone who witnessed suspicious behaviour to report it.

“Anyone who suspects an individual may be impersonating a police officer should be vigilant and report any unusual behaviour,” Ms Batty said.

“Individuals are encouraged to obtain as many particulars as possible, including any registration numbers of vehicles.”

She said police impersonators did exist, with some hoping for a financial gain from the illegal activity.

“Some people do impersonate police and there have been occasions where people have been asked to pay an on-thespot fine,” Ms Batty said.

“Police will never ask for this; rather they will issue you with an infringement notice that includes when and how to make payment for any fine.”

In February last year two reporters, including awardwinning crime journalist Andrew Rule, reported being tailed by would-be carjackers posing as police officers on the same night.

Mr Rule said a person with red and blue lights on their car attempted to intercept his vehicle on the Princes Freeway near Avalon.

The car was not being driven by a police officer but instead a “rough-looking” man with no ID, he said.

All police who are on duty, whether in plain clothes or uniform, must carry identification.

Citizens are encouraged to ask police to show their identity if they are suspicious of a police member’s authenticity.

Impersonating a police officer is illegal and carries a maximum penalty of 12 months’ imprisonment or a $19,000 fine.

Anyone with information call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.