BELLAIR SAPS have warned people to be wary of people who dress in police uniform and rob people of their valuables ‘in the name of duty’.
According to Warrant Officer Pam Pillay, Bellair SAPS communications officer, these imposters have entered properties and demanded from occupants valuables such as cellphones, cash and other electronic items.
“Victims often feel obligated to hand over these items to these ‘police officers’ who are actually impersonating police officers.”
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Pillay said that although various crimes are being reported, it has come to the attention of the management and staff of Bellair Police Station that certain crimes involving these imposters are also not being reported as the public are being reluctant to report these cases.
“Often, the public fears being intimidated by these ‘police officers’, if or when confronted again. I can assure the public that in most cases, these ‘police officers’ are not employed by the South African Police Service.
“Investigations have revealed that these were criminals impersonating police officers. This creates frustration and a sense of disgust, disappointment and disgrace from the public towards loyal, honest and dedicated police officers who serve the community with integrity and are undeserving of this stigma,” said Pillay.
Regaining trust
With the purpose of creating a safe and secure environment for the residents, Pillay said Bellair SAPS is embarking on a safety awareness programme in order to regain trust and prevent further crimes of this nature.
In order to determine the true identity of these ‘police officers’ who intimidate or bully members of the public, she urged people to take precautions in the event of being approached by such a person.
“Always ask for proper identification. If an appointment certificate is produced, be certain that the photo on the card matches that of the person standing in front of you. The appointment certificate may not always be authentic and could be cloned or stolen from a police officer.
“If you are approached by ‘police officers’ in an unmarked vehicle, ensure that you record the registration number, colour, make and model of that vehicle. If the vehicle is a marked one, be sure to record the registration number and name of the station printed on the left and right side of the vehicle.
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“If still uncertain, request that the police officers drive with you to the nearest police station where the identity of the said officers can be verified for your confirmation and peace of mind,” advised Pillay.
She also mentioned that if a motorist is asked to pull over onto the side of the road by a police officer and is uncertain of them being police officers, they must indicate by using a hand signal to follow you to the nearest policing station.
“Drive at a reasonable speed, without speeding off or giving that police officer reason to believe that you might be resisting or disobeying an instruction from an officer of the law. A police officer will not be reluctant in doing so.”
She added that if you are unsure if the people at your door are genuinely members of the South African Police Service, contact your local police station or 10111 to verify the identity of these members.
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