MANHUNT FOR BOGUS COPS WHO STOLE CAR
Unmarked vehicle with blue flashing lights targets driver
A full-scale police operation has been launched to hunt down two bogus cops who stole a car from an unsuspecting East Kilbride motorist.
Dressed in police uniforms and driving a greycoloured Volkswagen Passat fitted with blue flashing lights, the men stopped a black Audi A1 on Mavor Avenue in Nerston Industrial Estate. Posing as cops, the callous crooks managed to persuade the 28-year-old driver to get out of his car. They reportedly questioned the driver on
speedlimitoftheroad,andthespeed he was travelling, before feigning a registration check.
And while the driver was standing outside of the car, one of the suspects drove off with the car leaving the other suspect to make off in the Passat.
The victim, who was unharmed, immediately reported the incident to police.
The shocking incident happened at around 6.30pm on Sunday.
East Kilbride Chief Inspector Gillian Scott told the News: “Impersonating a police officer is a very serious offence.
“There is a dedicated team of officers working to identify the individuals responsible.
“I would urge members of the public if they are unsure of the officer to ask them to produce this warrant card to prove their identity.
“I can assure you that my officers will have no issue with being asked to do this so members of the public should not be afraid to ask.”
Just 30 minutes prior to this incident, the same men attempted to dupe another driver near to the First Glass public house on Hamilton Road, Cambuslang.
But on this occasion the driver refused to leave his vehicle – and requested to see the officer’s warrant card to confirm his identity.
When unable to produce this, the suspect returned to his car and made off along with his accomplice. The suspect who approached both vehicles is described as white, approximately 5ft 8in tall, of medium build and with short brown gelled hair.
He was wearing black cargo trousers, black utility belt, black body armour and seen to be speaking into a radio which was being held in his hand.
Detective Sergeant Graeme Begley at Airdrie CID, who is investigating the alarming incidents, spoke of the“great concern”caused by the conmen who carried out this elaborate hoax.
DS Begley said:“This causes great concern that there are individuals out there posing as police officers and managing to con members of the public as they go about their daily business.
“I would like to speak to anyone who was in the vicinity at the time either of these incidents took place and who may have witnessed either incident or perhaps saw the suspects hanging around the areas in their car.
“I’d also like to remind anyone who has any concerns regarding the authenticity of a police officer to simply ask for identification – any legitimate police officer will always be in possession of this and happy to produce when asked.”
Anyone with information that can assist police with their enquiries is asked to contact police at Airdrie via 101. Alternatively, calls can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.