Criminals are impersonating police officers in record numbers in a bid to carry out violent crimes, it has been revealed.
Using fake police badges, uniforms and lights, it is believed perpetrators use the disguises to coerce potential victims.
In fact, police impostor offences have reached a five-year high in Victoria, according to the Herald Sun.
During 2017, police impersonation offences soared 80 per cent in the state with police issuing 95 charges for the infraction.
Criminals are impersonating police officers in record numbers in a bid to carry out violent crimes, it has been revealed
Using fake police badges, uniforms and lights, it is believed perpetrators use the disguises to coerce potential victims
The illegal practice is said to be aided by a steady supply of fake uniforms on sites like eBay and Gumtree (pictured)
The illegal practice is said to be aided by a steady supply of fake police property on sites like eBay and Gumtree.
Just last month, three thugs pretending to be police officers assaulted a man while he was driving to buy his wife a present in Melbourne’s north.
The 25-year-old victim initially pulled over after seeing what he believed were police lights in his rear view.
After speaking to a man through his car window, he opened the car’s door when the thug demanded money.
Following the victim’s refusal he pulled him from the car, punched him and pushed him to the rear of the vehicle.
Last month, three thugs pretending to be police officers assaulted a man while he was driving to buy his wife a present in Melbourne’s north
The trio then all started beating the victim before quickly fleeing the scene.
Earlier this month a man was allegedly caught bringing imitation police property including fake Victoria Police badges into Melbourne Airport.
He is reportedly now being investigated by the Australian Federal Police.
Earlier this month a man was allegedly caught bringing imitation police property include fake Victoria Police badges into Melbourne Airport