Source : Perth Now news
A former Queensland police officer has issued a warning to Australians about a little-known criminal tactic after two men impersonated police officers to gain entry to a home.
Jules Munro told Sunrise on Friday while police impersonation was uncommon, the incident was an important reminder for people to be aware of who they allow into their homes.
WATCH THE VDEO ABOVE: Fake police officers target Queensland home
CCTV footage captured the moment the two men approached the Queensland property, with one dressed in what appeared to be a fake police uniform.
A young boy answered the door as the pair demanded to be let inside.
They fled the scene with a safe and hard drive and remain on the run.
Munro urged people not to assume someone claiming to be a police officer is genuine.
“This is a very uncommon thing to see, but it’s why we need to talk about it,” she said.
“Whilst police being impersonated has been happening for many, many centuries and decades, it’s something that we don’t see a lot and it’s good to bring it to people’s awareness.”
She said incidents involving impersonation could leave victims feeling particularly vulnerable, especially when criminals exploited the public’s natural instinct to trust police.
“I’m sure your audience this morning is really reaching out to that young person and just putting their arms around them because there’s an element to impersonation and criminal activity that really leaves you feeling very vulnerable, feeling very silly,” Munro said.
Munro said Australians should feel comfortable asking for identification or verification before allowing someone claiming to be a police officer into their homes, particularly if the visit is not planned or urgent.
“When you’re experiencing something in the middle of the night, an unplanned visit from someone who is alleging to be a police officer, they will be very clearly identifiable, they’ll be wearing reflective vests, they’ll be wearing all of their utility,” she said.
