A MAN who posed as a member of An Garda Siochana is been sought by detectives who are investigating an incident where a female driver was stopped by the imposter before stealing her handbag.
Gardai attached to Askeaton say that the incident happened at 6.30pm on Sunday evening last when the injured party and another female were travelling in an area known as Ballynorth, Askeaton.
The driver of the car noticed another car behind her flashing its lights and sounding the horn.
Sgt Justin McCarthy of the Crime Prevention office said that when the woman stopped, the driver of the other car got out and approached her.
“He introduced himself as a Garda in Askeaton and told her one of the wheels of her car was loose. He offered to repair the wheel but his offer was declined.
“He then returned to his own car and shortly afterwards again flashed lights behind the female driver.
“She stopped her car and on this occasion the man concerned approached the passenger window and asked for ID.
“As the female passenger reached for her handbag the man concerned grabbed the bag returned to his car, reversed, and drove away from Ballynorth towards the main Askeaton N69 road.”
Gardai describe the imposter as 6’2”, well built, clean shaven, short black hair, aged in his 40s and wearing a light blue or grey suit with a distinctive pink tie.
Anyone who may have witnessed this or might have any information on this are asked to contact gardai in Askeaton Newcastle West or the confidential line on 1800 666 111.
