Urgent warning after burglars dressed as police scope out properties & vehicles
Detectives have issued an urgent warning after suspected burglars were caught on CCTV posing as police officers in a bid to scope out homes and cars to target.
Kent Police released doorbell camera footage of two men believed to be posing as police in Sevenoaks.
The force would like to speak to the pair following separate incidents in the Kippington Road area have been linked to attempts to steal vehicles and burglary offences.
The pair, wearing vests similar to those worn by policemen, allegedly approached a property on the suburban street around 9pm on September 11. They left shortly afterwards.
Detectives say the incident is being linked to a previous report of suspicious behaviour in the same road on Friday, August 23.
The community is asked to contact the force or Crimestoppers if they have any information that could be beneficial to the investigation.
Kent Police released doorbell camera footage of two men believed to be posing as police in Sevenoaks. The force would like to speak to the pair following separate incidents in the Kippington Road area have been linked to attempts to steal vehicles and burglary offences
Kent Police issued a statement Wednesday, saying: ‘It is reported that at around 9pm on Wednesday 11 September 2024, two unknown men approached a property in the road.
‘Wearing tracksuits and black gloves, they were also wearing vests which had a similar appearance to clothing sometimes worn by police officers. They left the scene shortly after.
‘The incident is being linked to a previous report of suspicious behaviour in the same road, on Friday 23 August.
‘At just after 1.30am, two suspects wearing balaclavas attempted to steal a car but left empty handed.
‘Several images have now been issued by investigating officers, who would like to identify and speak to those pictured.’
Anyone with information that may help detectives is urged to call Kent Police on 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/145895/24.
Tips can also be reported anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or using an online form.
Detectives say the incident is being linked to a previous report of suspicious behaviour in the same road last month
Impersonating a police officer, which is an offence under the 1996 Police Act, carries a maximum sentence of six months in jail.
The incidents in Sevenoaks are not the first time that criminals have disguised themselves as policemen to aid in their crimes.
Two men who claimed to be officers and were wearing ‘crude’ uniforms were causght on camera being chased out of an apartment block in east London by angry residents in October 2021, The Telegraph reported.
Similarly, in November last year, 17-year-old Joe Metcalfe was sentenced to 10 years in prison after he made a ‘detailed plan to murder Muslims at a nearby mosque while disguised as an armed police officer’.
