Teenager is victim of fake PC

A thief claiming to be a policeman stole Christmas and birthday money from a child in Shrewsbury after persuading him to hand over his wallet, it emerged today.

The incident happened in The Square at about 12.20pm on Saturday. The man told the teenager he was a police constable and asked to see his wallet.

Later the youngster realised that £170 had been taken. Police are appealing for witnesses and urging people to be on their guard in case he strikes again.

Constable Colin Barrett said the 15-year-old was with a 14-year-old boy and 13-year-old girl. They went to sit down on steps at the Old Market Hall, but a man was already there.They walked around for a few minutes and, when he left, sat down. But the man returned, told them to move and pulled out a black wallet. He said he was making a citizen's arrest and asked to look in the 15-year-old's wallet before returning it and speaking on his mobile saying police were approaching. He then walked off. He is described as in his late 20s to mid 30s, about six feet tall and of medium build.

The suspect had short blond hair which was gelled forwards with a flick at the front and wore a dark-coloured tracksuit top and pale grey Adidas tracksuit bottoms with white stripes down the sides and black Lacoste trainers.

Call police on 08457 444888.