Police have arrested one man and are searching for a second man after they allegedly stopped three cars and identified themselves as police officers.
At about 2.15pm on Thursday 5 September a suspect driving a red Holden Commodore sedan stopped a vehicle on Brebner Drive at West Lakes and spoke to the driver identifying himself as a police officer.
A second incident occurred just after 1.15am on Friday 6 September, when two suspects in a vehicle stopped a car on Marion Road at Marion. They identified themselves to the driver as police officers before issuing him with a fine and driving him to a petrol station to withdraw money. The victim was returned to his vehicle and the men took an amount of money from him before leaving the area.
Just before 1pm on the same day, the driver of a red Holden Commodore sedan stopped a car on Frederick Road at Royal Park after he allegedly showed a badge to the victim and identified himself as a police officer. The victim questioned the validity of the suspect and he returned to his car and drove off.
Just after midnight on Friday 7 September Western District detectives arrested a 34-year-old man from Findon. He was charged with three counts of impersonating a police officer, unlawful detention, aggravated robbery and two counts of driving disqualified. He did not apply for bail and will appear in the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court on Monday 9 September.
The victims did not receive any physical injuries during the incidents.
The second suspect is still outstanding.
Anyone who may have witnessed any of these offences or has information that may assist police is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at https://crimestopperssa.com.au/
If anyone has been the victim of an impersonating police matter they are asked to phone the police assistance line on 131 444.
Any motorist who is concerned about the behaviour of an unmarked vehicle is urged to:
* Stop at a place they feel safe, such as a well lit area or an area with other people;
* Keep their doors locked and windows closed;
* Request to see the person’s identification; and
* Advise the person they are calling police to verify their identity.
