Fake police stage Paris carjackings

A GANG of motorway thieves posing as police officers have carried out at least 10 carjackings near Paris, prompting a police warning for drivers to be extra vigilant.

Since the beginning of May, seven cases have been reported on the A13 in the Yvelines, to the west of the capital, and others in the Oise and Val d'Oise departments.

The thieves drive alongside their victim in a powerful car with a blue flashing light and then cut into the target vehicle's lane, forcing it to stop.

In most cases they claim to be plain-clothes police officers and ask for the vehicle's documents and to carry out the necessary roadside checks.

One newspaper delivery man was told to get out and open his boot - and while doing so, one of the thieves climbed into the vehicle and drove off at speed.

At other times, the thieves made off with cash or other valuables. They wear balaclavas and use tear gas to stun their victim.

Police are urging drivers to stay calm, keep their doors locked, call 17 and try to take a photograph or at least memorise faces or the licence plate.

A special team has been set up in the Yvelines police force to investigate the series of crimes. Extra motorway patrols are being carried out and a police helicopter is on standby.