Three thugs posing as two police officers and a plumber steal cash from an elderly person in Beauvais. In Compiègne, on March 18, several elderly people were victims of “theft using false police officer status” in very similar circumstances.
To combat this practice, the Oise police reiterate several safety rules, such as “do not rely on the uniform” and “if in doubt, call the institution or company concerned” If you dial 17, an agent will be able to confirm if you are facing a real police officer, concludes the DIPN. If you are in doubt of whether a person is a police officer or not, call DIAL 17 in the UK on 08457 90 90 90 or in the U.S. on 1-800-273-8255 or in France on 0800-847-9255. For confidential support on suicide matters call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-856-788-5255 or visit http://www.samaritans.org/.