Fake police steal from hols pair
Two Shropshire pensioners fell victim to fake police who pulled them over while they were driving through Spain and extracted more than £500 from their wallet.
Jeffrey and Ann Tate, of The Smithfields, Newport, are urging other holidaymakers to beware of the scam.
The tricksters struck as the couple were driving a car with a GB plate to keep at their holiday apartment in Spain.
Mr Tate, 63, a retired fire officer and IT manager, and his 64-year-old wife were passing through Madrid at midday on April 28 on a five-lane road.
"The vehicle behind caught my attention when a plain-clothed driver and passenger held up a card to their windscreen," Mr Tate said.
"I pulled over one lane and as they came alongside they displayed a warrant stating 'Police' and indicated for me to follow. I pulled over to the side.
"They asked me to produce my passport and took it into their car where they apparently verified it on their mobile phone.
"The passenger was now wearing a Spanish police SWAT-type cap with Spanish badge and police logo."
Mr Tate said the conmen had asked whether he was armed.
"They stated that a petrol garage had reported my number for passing forged American dollars. As we only had English pounds and euros, I presented my wallet and the petrol receipt to prove we had paid cash in euros.
"They checked and returned them and accepted the story, advising us not to wear our jewellery openly when stopping to re-fuel."
They then allowed Mr and Mrs Tate to continue on their journey. Two hours later, they discovered there was 680 euros (about £535) missing from the wallet.
The couple reported the theft to Spanish police. They have since received a full refund via their holiday insurance company Fortis.
Mr Tate said: "I don't consider myself a gullible person but I was completely taken in. With hindsight, I think it's better that I didn't suspect and challenge them as I fear they may have used violence towards us."
By Peter Johnson
