Victim loses savings to bogus policeman

Bogus police and customs officers tricked their way into a Black Country man's home and drove off in his Mercedes, police revealed today.

The 61-year-old victim allowed the two men into his home to 'conduct a search' – but they stole his life-savings. It has not yet been revealed how much the thieves got away with.

The victim of Kates Hill, Dudley, told today how he was left frightened by the con.

He let the thieves in when they claimed they were officers needing to conduct a drugs search.

The man, who did not wish to be named for fear of becoming a target again, said: "It's very frightening, it was so believable and very organised, like something you see on TV.

"I was brought up to respect police officers and do what they say - if they're conducting an investigation and you're innocent you have nothing to worry about, so I just stood aside."

The victim said he had returned home in the early evening, and as he parked his car a man dressed as a police officer – complete with a knee-length yellow high-visibility jacket with black epaulettes, metal numbers on the shoulders and the word 'police' on the back and a headset – approached him.

The bogus officer told him that they had received a tip-that he was selling drugs, and needed to do a search of his car. He was then joined by a second man.

The victim said: "I emptied my pockets for him, I gave him the keys for the garage – I just did what I was told."

The men also searched his bedroom, took the cash, then left in the car, which was later found undamaged in Tipton.

The thieves were both white – one was about 5ft11in and aged between between 40 and 50, the other was around 6ft 2in and aged 35 to 45.

Police have urged people to always check officers' warr-ant cards. Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0845 113 5000.