Man impersonating a police officer 'targeting the elderly' in Exeter

Police are asking the public to be vigilant after reports of a man impersonating a police officer in Exeter.

Police have had reports that a man has been in the Beacon Heath area of Exeter attempting to gain entrance to properties claiming that he is a police officer. The man isn’t wearing a uniform and is using a handwritten ID. We believe that he is targeting the elderly.

The man is described as a white man in his 40’s/50’s, very short dark hair, sometimes wearing a dark blue baseball cap, stocky build and around 5”8 tall.

A police spokesperson said: “Impersonating a police officer is a criminal offence. A genuine police officer will always take the time to reassure you of their identity. Always ask for their shoulder number which is unique to each officer, ask to see ID and call the police to confirm the officers identity if you are at all unsure or have any concerns.

“Incidents such as these are rare, but if you believe you have been approached by a person who is impersonating a police officer, please call 999.”

Anyone with information is asked to email police on 101@dc.police.uk or call 101 quoting police crime reference CR/063226/16.

Alternatively information can be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.