West motorists warned of bogus police
In some cases, the suspects were seen wearing police uniforms.
Pretoria West police have appealed to motorists and joggers to be on the lookout for bogus police officials.
In this new modus operandi, the suspects who drive an unmarked Toyota Lexus vehicle with blue light attached to it, usually stop motorists and joggers, pretending to be police officials, said Pretoria West police spokesperson Constable Sibongile Vuma.
Vuma said it had come to the police’s attention most people have recently reported crimes such as car hijacking, card theft or robbery through this method.
“The culprits normally drive around in a Lexus vehicle with blue light attached to it. They will pull over motorists to the roadside and produce their fake police card which are similar to the real ones thus making most people believe they are indeed real police officials,” Vuma said.
She said in some cases, they were even seen wearing police uniforms.
Vuma said these bogus cops would stop victims and pretend to be investigating a serious crime.
“They will then give a description of a ‘suspect’ often matching that of the unsuspecting victim’s gender or car,” she said.
“To establish that the victim is not the ‘suspect’, they will ask to accompany the victim to an ATM to prove the victim had not stolen a substantial amount of money in a recent robbery.
“The victim is then asked for their ATM PIN and to put their bank card in an envelope.”
Everything happens while the bogus cops and victim drive to the nearest ATM, all while the victim is “interrogated”.
“While creating a dialogue, the bogus cops then swap the envelope with a similar one but with a different bank card.
“At the ATM, the scammers then conclude their investigation, informing the victim they are innocent before driving off with their bank card.
“We, therefore, appeal to the people to be extra vigilant and not to stop, rather drive straight to the nearest police station once you notice a suspicious vehicle trying to stop you.
“We also advise joggers to jog in groups as they are also targeted for their cellphones,” Vuma said.
She said there was an increase in theft out of motor vehicles in Pretoria West as well.
Targeted vehicles are the Ford Rangers, Nissan NP200, double or single cab bakkies, SUVs and VW Polos.
“We are pleading to our motorist and shoppers around our area of Pretoria West to be vigilant and ensure doors and windows are closed properly. All valuable items such as your laptops, handbags and cellphones must be put where it is not visible or accessible for a passerby.”
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