Fake cops pointed gun at luxury car owner in Crystal Palace

Two fake cops in uniform and with blue flashing lights on their car threatened a man with a firearm before stealing his luxury car.

The 60-year-old victim came to a stop in his black Range Rover when he believed an unmarked police car with flashing blue lights was getting him to pull over.

He had been driving along Upper Beulah Hill, Crystal Palace at around 8.40pm last night, Monday, 17 February when he stopped, then got out of the car after one man said he was a police officer, presenting a false warrant card.

The victim was told speak with his ‘colleague’ in their car – but the man in the driver’s seat pointed a firearm at him.

The first suspect drove off in the victim’s Range Rover, and the suspects’ vehicle also sped off along Upper Beulah Hill.

Detective Constable Joanne Austin from the Met’s South Area Command Unit investigates.  She said: “This was a frightening experience for the victim, who pulled over in good faith believing he was assisting police.

“The suspect’s car is described as dark coloured, and is possibly a Vauxhall Astra.

“A blue flashing light was used to give the ‘police car’ an air of authenticity and the men confidently pretended to be police officers. This was a pre-planned and sinisterly well-executed offence and we need to locate these offenders as soon as possible.

“We have the description of one of the suspects, who is thought to be white, aged between 25 and 30 and around 5ft10ins to 5ft11ins tall. He is of slim build, clean shaven and was wearing a black hooded top, with the hood worn off his head. He also spoke with a local, south east London accent.”

Officers who make stops while not in uniform will make their identity clear.

Anyone approached by a plain clothed police officer should feel comfortable speaking to them, and members of the public can always ask to check officers’ ID closely. They should have this on them at all times.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting CAD7781/17Feb20 or stay anonymous by contacting the charity Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111/crimestoppers-uk.org