‘Fake’ policemen rob pensioners in Grand Est

Police have called for vigilance after burglars posing as policemen duped vulnerable people in their homes in order to steal money and jewellery.

Seven such crimes have been investigated since the beginning of February in Meurthe-et-Moselle, Grand Est – in Custines, Champigneulles, Ville-en-Vermois and Domgermain.

‘Fake’ policemen or gendarmes visited the homes of elderly victims, who all lived alone. "They presented themselves as wanting to advise on burglary prevention," said Colonel Gwendal Durand, commander of Meurthe-et-Moselle gendarmerie group.

"Once they got into the home, they asked the victim to show them where the jewellery was, to see if it was safe."

The gendarmerie advises residents to trust nobody. "You have to ask for their identity card, read the name and if you have any doubts, do not hesitate in calling 17 [police emergency number – or 112 from a mobile] to check if the person really is a serving officer on official duty."

Colonel Durand said: "It is better to be vigilant than to be taken advantage of, and no real policeman or gendarme will take it badly."

Other common sense tips: do not leave wallets, purses, car keys, house keys or valuables near the entrance to your home.