Warning to Hastings residents after fake police officer steals money

Officers received a report of a burglary in High Rocks, Hastings, around 4.30am on 26 August.

A man claiming to be a police officer had knocked at the door saying he was investigating fake money and had a search warrant, police said.

The suspect knew the victim’s name and identified himself as a ‘CID Sergeant’. He instructed the victim to take the cash out of his wallet so he could check the serial number.

The victim – a 64-year-old man – had £165 stolen, police said.

The suspect is described as a white man of a heavy build, aged in his 40s or 50s and was carrying a briefcase.

DC Andrew Smithson said: “If you were in the area around the time of the offence or have seen anything suspicious then we would like to hear from you.

“We are also appealing for any further victims of this sort of crime to come forwards.

“Fraudsters who exploit people’s trust in organisations such as the police for their own gains will not be tolerated and we are determined to find the person responsible.”

Anyone with information can report online or call 101, quoting 194 of 26/08.