Beware of bogus police officers who demand cash for your stolen vehicle

Report any incidents of police officers demanding money for the return of stolen vehicles.

Brixton police are alerting members of the community to be aware of bogus police officers demanding money before a stolen vehicle can be returned to the complainant.

Spokesperson of the station Jeanette Backhoff says, “Brixton Police station received numerous calls about police officers phoning to claim money before a stolen vehicle can be returned to his/her rightful owner.”

She urges the public not to become victims of this crime.

Backhoff explained how this criminal operation works, “Shortly after a vehicle has been reported as stolen, the owner of the vehicle will receive a call from an unknown person who pretends to be a police officer.”

The bogus police officer will then inform the complainant that their stolen vehicle has been recovered and that a cash amount needs to be paid into an account.

Backhoff went on to explain that they will also tell the complainant that the vehicle will not be released until the money has been paid.

Backhoff explicitly states, “Under no circumstances must money be paid for your vehicle to be released.”

She advises anyone who receives such a call to report it at their nearest police station and request assistance.

Alternatively one can contact the investigating officer assigned to deal with the case by calling their local police station.

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