Burglars pose as police officers in commuter town

Suspected burglars posed as police officers as they scoped out a house in a commuter town, it has been claimed.

Kent Police said two men were wearing vests that were similar to clothing worn by policemen during the incident in Sevenoaks on Sept 11.

Detectives have released images of men that they would like to speak to in connection with an investigation into attempted burglaries and car thefts.

The force said that at 9pm that night, two men had approached a property on Kippington Road, a suburban street.

“Wearing tracksuits and black gloves, they were also wearing vests which had a similar appearance to clothing sometimes worn by police officers,” the force said. “They left the scene shortly after.”

The force said it was linking the incident to a previous report of suspicious behaviour in the same road on Aug 23.

A spokesman said: “At just after 1.30am, two suspects wearing balaclavas attempted to steal a car but left empty handed.

“Several images have now been issued by investigating officers, who would like to identify and speak to those pictured.”

Kent Police told members of the public to contact the force or Crimestoppers if they had any information about the incidents.

Other incidents

It would not be the first time that criminals have disguised themselves as policemen.

In October 2021, a video emerged of two men dressed as police officers being chased out of an apartment block by angry residents in east London.

The woman who reported the incident said the men claimed to be police officers and were wearing “crude” uniforms, including caps, harnesses and batons.

In November 2023, Joe Metcalfe, 17, was sentenced to 10 years in prison after making what the Crown Prosecution Service said was a “detailed plan to murder Muslims at a nearby mosque while disguised as an armed police officer”.

Impersonating a police officer is an offence under the 1996 Police Act that carries a maximum sentence of six months.