By Aneeka Simonis
REPORTS several well-dressed con artists used a police badge to attempt to pull over a woman driving through Beaconsfield by herself are being investigated by police.
A 32-year-old Berwick woman was driving to work along the Princes Highway at about 8.50am on Monday 19 September when she found herself being trailed by a group of up to three men.
The men travelling in a black Ford Falcon sedan were reported to have come up alongside the female motorist, slowing down and speeding up to keep up with her as she travelled down the Princes Highway.
One of the men then unwound his window, flashed a police badge and gestured for her to pull over.
She refused and kept driving. The men sped off, turning out of sight down Brunt Road.
Police have described the men as Caucasian, well-dressed and aged in their mid-twenties, driving a black Ford Falcon sedan.
Pakenham police Senior Sergeant Nathan Prowd said police were investigating whether the men in the car were posing as police officers, or were genuine.
He did acknowledge it would be “strange” if police members were driving in the described manner or in a group of three.
Motorists concerned about the legitimacy of an unmarked car purporting to be a police vehicle are advised to continue driving to the nearest police station.
Carjacking rates have steadily climbed in south-east Melbourne in recent months.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
