By ANEEKA SIMONIS
DRIVERS have been cautioned to stay safe on the roads following a string of highway robbery attempts.
According to Neighbourhood Watch Cardinia, there have been several reports that two men driving a light coloured Holden Commodore have been tailgating and waving down road users.
“Do not pull over your car for anybody trying to get your attention,” Neighbourhood Watch Cardinia wrote on its Facebook page on Monday 6 October.
“The only people you should be stopping for are the police, and their blue and red flashing lights are a bit of a giveaway as to who they are.”
Pakenham police Sergeant Tommy Pietrosanto said the incident may be connected to previous armed robberies in the area including the brazen raid on a mobile coffee van along the weighbridge on Princes Highway in Officer earlier this year.
At 9.45am on Tuesday 10 June, two workers at the local Float ‘n’ Coffee van were threatened by a masked gunman who took off in a champagne coloured Holden Sedan, believed to be a 1998-2002 model.
Sgt Pietrosanto said the man, who acted alone, was described as being 175cm tall, of stocky build and wearing a balaclava and grey hoodie.
Police believe the same man was involved in three armed robberies across the Pakenham and Officer area in late May and June, including at the Eagle Drive milk bar in Pakenham and a takeaway shop on the Princes Highway.
On Facebook, the watchdog wrote “it is extraordinarily unlikely that someone will attempt to pull you over impersonating a police car” but drivers should be wary of the intercepting vehicle if the car is unregistered or if emergency lights aren’t visible.
If drivers suspect the car trying to pull them over isn’t legitimate, Neighbourhood Watch Cardinia has advised drivers to keep their car locked and request police identification, call triple zero to confirm a police officer was sent to intercept the vehicle or proceed to a police station to meet with authorities in a safe, legitimate space.
Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au.
