Fake cops can buy flashing ‘police strobe’ lights for a bargain online

Deceiving crooks looking to pull people over or bypass traffic can purchase the eye-catching flashing lights for next to nothing online amid an increase in police impersonators.

Victoria Police say it is “disappointing” how people impersonate police officers on the road

Wannabe police officers and deceiving crooks can score themselves “police strobe” flashing lights online as the state records a rise in the number of people busted impersonating cops.

While the sale or advertisement of red-and-blue flashing lights is not illegal — nor considered official Victoria Police equipment — using them to impersonate police on the roads

can land offenders in jail for up to a year.

Crime Statistics Agency data revealed there were 65 recorded offences for impersonating a police officer in Victoria in the year to September 2024 — up from 61 the year before.

In 2018 there were nearly 90 offences recorded.

Would-be fake cops can purchase the red-and-blue lights for as cheaply as $10 online, with sellers advertising the products with photos of the LED lights placed on windscreens and car bumpers.

It is an offence for people to impersonate police on the road and pull people over.

It is an offence to possess or use any Victoria Police identification or equipment without authorisation.

In November last year a court heard Mildura man Jason Baldwin stuck red and blue lights to the front bumper of a stolen car, flashing them in front of a motorist who, believing it was a police stop, pulled over.

In 2023 Melbourne construction worker Shaun Tantrum was jailed for three years and nine months after he stole two cars, doing so by activating red-and-blue flashing lights and pulling over unsuspecting drivers before speeding off with their vehicles.

An advertisement online for police strobe lights. Picture: eBay

A trio of alleged fake cops — who used police uniforms and a fake warrant during a Doncaster East home invasion — will stand trial next month.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said it was “disappointing when people decide to impersonate a police officer to either to play a joke or commit further offences.”

“If you see an advertisement selling police equipment we encourage you to call your local police station so that police can investigate the matter,” she said.

“We know that this particular type of offence is very concerning to the community, which is why we are committed to fully investigating any incidents and holding offenders to account.”