Police have arrested three people in Eastern Bay of Plenty on a range of serious charges, including impersonating Police.
On Sunday 13 September, around 6pm, two youth were detained by two men and a woman who had presented themselves as Police officers and appeared to be driving in an unmarked Police car.
Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Ash Clements says one of the men was in possession of a 2017 black Holden Commodore, which had previously been a Police vehicle.
“Like a lot of old Police cars, this vehicle had been stripped of all Police equipment and markings before being sold at auction.
“Despite this, parts of the Commodore were allegedly re-fitted with off-market lights to give it the appearance of an unmarked Police car.
“The occupants of the vehicle were in plain clothes – not Police uniform, were not wearing Police body armour, and were portraying themselves as Detectives. This, paired with the imitation Police vehicle, is more than enough to trick an unsuspecting person,” says Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Clements.
Police arrested and charged a 34-year-old man yesterday in relation to this incident and prior incidents of impersonating Police. He is remanded in custody, due to reappear in Whakatāne District Court on 7 October, charged with impersonating personnel, indecent assault, intimidation, two counts of kidnapping, and five counts of impersonating Police.
Today, a 19-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman were also arrested.
The 19-year-old is due in Whakatāne District Court tomorrow, charged with indecent assault, two counts of kidnapping, and two counts of impersonating Police.
The 25-year-old is due in Whakatāne District Court on 29 September charged with kidnapping.
“Detaining a person under false pretences and without the proper authority amounts to kidnapping, which is an extremely serious offense in addition to impersonating Police, and we take this offending seriously. This was a traumatic incident for the victims involved.
“Enquiries are ongoing, and we would like to hear from anyone across the Eastern Bay of Plenty area, who may have had interactions members of this group, or anyone else using the black 2017 Holden Commodore under the false pretences that they were Police officers,” says Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Clements.
Any information can be provided through 105, either online or over the phone, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 using file number 260914/4066.
“Anyone who doubts that they are speaking with a real Police officer is urged to ask for their Police issued ID, and if you still have concerns, call 111 immediately and a Police Communicator can identify the officer for you.”
