The potential victims, an elderly couple, reacted very sharply when they were called by one of the suspects. This person posed as an officer from an intervention team with the intention of collecting the residents bank card. The residents took the only and right step by calling the real police.
Live Connection
The police control room had a live connection with the residents and listened in. The police arrived on site to monitor the situation. The residents remained in contact with the suspect by phone the whole time. The tension, especially for the residents who are already quite elderly, increased significantly. Time for action. The police officer hid in the house. He heard the arrangements being made. Residents had to prepare a bag with items and the bank card.
Handcuffed and Taken Away
A little later, a car stopped in front of the house with the two suspects inside. One of them, an 18-year-old woman from Zwijndrecht, rang the bell, introduced herself as an officer, and wanted to collect the items. Before she could step over the threshold, the real officer was already face to face with her. Before she realized it, she was handcuffed and taken away. Shortly after, the second suspect, who drove off in the car, was also arrested in Kamerik. This suspect is a 23-year-old man from Sliedrecht.
Great compliments to the residents who were so calm to play along with the game, said the police.
What to Do?
Have you been approached by a fake officer proposing to collect your valuable items? Then you should do the following:
• Hang up. Report to the police (0900-8844) and provide as many details as possible.
• Someone at the door? Check ID. A police ID is a card the size of a drivers license with a logo, photo, and badge number.
• Caught in the act? 112! Is someone on their way or is someone at your door? It is a situation of being caught in the act, call 112.
• Warn your surroundings. These scammers have already made multiple victims. We often see that it concerns the elderly. Warn the elderly in your area about these fraud practices.