By BRIDGET COOK
POLICE who charged a man following the theft of money from car washes last week have also interviewed him in relation to impersonating police.
On Wednesday 14 May, police charged a 31-year-old Berwick man after a number of coin machines from car and dog washes across Casey were damaged and some coins taken from them.
He was charged with theft and criminal damage.
Police also interviewed the man in relation to a report of two people impersonating police in Dandenong on Sunday 20 April.
Police said a man was driving along the Princes Highway about 2am when he was intercepted by what he thought was a police car.
A man and a woman got out of the car and showed him supposed police identification and asked him to follow them to nearby Maxwell Street.
The two people then searched the victim’s car and took his mobile phone, driver’s licence and car keys.
They then told the man to wait for other police to arrive before they drove off.
Police said they believe the two people then went to a nearby hotel and used the victim’s stolen key to enter a room in an attempt to steal more items, but left when they realised there were other people inside.
The man and woman then returned to Maxwell Street and stole the victim’s red Toyota Corolla.
Police said the victim did not report the incident until later the next night, after realising he may have been duped.
The Berwick man has not been charged in relation to the incident but investigations are ongoing.
Police said it was a timely reminder for people to check the credentials of police members if they were wary and to report any suspicious behaviour to triple zero as soon as possible.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
