Burglar pretended to be policeman (From Bournemouth Echo)

Burglar pretended to be policeman

2:03pm Thursday 21st February 2013 in News

THIS e-fit shows the face of a man who pretended to be a police officer in order to get inside a house.

Officers in Poole are appealing for witnesses following the attempted distraction burglary in the Hamworthy area of the town.

The inciden happened along Lake Drive between 7.30pm and 8pm on January 28.

One of the men held up a mobile phone as if to show his warrant card. He then said that they had reason to believe that the victim was cultivating cannabis and needed to enter in order to conduct a search.

Police Constable Phil Cowlishaw, of Hamworthy Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “Fortunately, the occupant, a man in his fifties, did not fall for this deception but the offender still managed to gain entry to the property briefly without invitation.

“When he was told to get out, both offenders left the scene.

“I am now in the position to release an e-fit of one of the offenders.

“I would urge the man pictured – and anyone who recognises him – to contact Dorset Police.”

Genuine police officers are always happy to clearly show their warrant card which contains a photograph of them and the signature of the Chief Constable.

Anyone who is still concerned should call 101 to check the officer’s identity.