Unmarked police told not to stop drivers after van thieves pose as cops

A force has advised its officers not to stop drivers while in unmarked vehicles after criminals posed as undercover police to stop and steal two vans.

Essex Police issued the guidance in response to two similar incidents in which a silver Ford Mondeo – a car often used by the service – was used by thieves impersonating police officers to pull over drivers on the M11 and M25.

On Saturday (July 23), four men, including one who was armed, pulled over a white Mercedes Sprinter van and left the occupants stranded at the side of the road.

Two days later, three men used a vehicle fitting the same description and equipped with blue flashing light to steal a grey Volkswagen Transporter.

No weapons were seen in the second incident, but one of the men reportedly had handcuffs.

Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Smith, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “In a direct response to these incidents occurring a direction has been given to our officers that they should not, unless in emergency circumstances, be in an unmarked car and attempt to stop a driver.

“We have taken this decision to safeguard motorists in Essex while these offenders remain outstanding. Our victims have told us that the suspects are purporting to be police officers and are wearing body armour to further enhance this deception in order to steal these vans.

“Anyone who is signalled at to stop by someone in a car which may appear to be an unmarked police [vehicle] is asked not to stop but to call 999 immediately to verify whether the vehicle and its occupants are genuine.”