Violent criminals pose as police, terrorise victims

DANGEROUS criminals are masquerading as police to carry out violent crimes across Victoria, with police badges being sold online illegally. It comes as police impersonation offences hit a five-year high.

DANGEROUS criminals are masquerading as police to carry out violent crimes across Victoria.

Police impostor offences have reached a five-year high as thugs use black-market police badges and lights to flag down and terrorise unsuspecting victims.

The equipment is being sold illegally on websites such as eBay and Gumtree.

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Fake police lights were used by thugs in a violent daytime attack. File image

Police say the sharp rise in impersonation offences is “very concerning” and have revealed serial offenders are behind many of the crimes.

A tradie was beaten by three men posing as undercover cops during an attempted robbery in Preston last month.

A Victoria Police badge for sale on Gumtree.

The daylight attack left victim Mohamed Dirini, 24, fearing for his safety, and his relatives too afraid to trust plain-clothed police.

The thugs, who used fake police lights to lure their victim, are yet to be caught.

“How do you differentiate an undercover cop from a thief,” asked the victim’s brother, Ali, at the time.

The Herald Sun can also reveal Australian Federal Police are investigating a man who was allegedly caught bringing imitation police property into Melbourne Airport on July 8.

Australian Border Force officials allegedly uncovered fake Victoria Police badges, Critical Incident Response Unit vests and zip lock handcuffs during a luggage inspection.

An AFP spokesman said the man was released without charge but was assisting with an ongoing investigation.

Crime statistics show police impersonation offences soared 80 per cent last year.

Victoria Police handed out 95 charges in 2017, up from 53 in the previous year.

There was also a slight increase in the number charges for illegally possessing Victoria Police identification and equipment.

Victoria Police spokeswoman Amelia Penhall said offenders who impersonated police to “play a joke or commit further offences” concerned police.

Victoria Police pins which could be found on eBay.

An AFP Dog Squad badge for sale on eBay.

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

A breakdown of the offences show many are being committed by the same alleged offenders.

Last year, 42 people were responsible for all 95 police impersonation charges.

Dozens of authentic and fake police badges are being illegally advertised on eBay and Gumtree, in addition to the dark web.

Police warn those who fear they are being targeted by a fake police officer to call triple-0 immediately.

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@AneekaSimonis