Police investigating impersonation of police

Police are investigating after an 18-year-old female driver was ‘pulled over’ by a vehicle she believed was an unmarked police car at Eatons Hill this morning (30 May 2014).

Around 12.40am the woman stopped her vehicle on South Pine Road, in the vicinity of the Eatons Hill Tavern, after the vehicle travelling behind her activated red and blue flashing lights. 

The male driver of the vehicle approached the woman’s car and claimed he was a police officer. After a brief conversation the woman became suspicious and drove off.

The man returned to his car and followed the woman’s vehicle until she drove into the Carseldine Police Station. He then continued south along Gympie Road.

The man is described as Pacific Islander in appearance, aged in his late 30’s with an olive complexion, short black hair, and was wearing long tanned coloured pants, long sleeve  orange high visibility shirt and work boots.

His car is described as sky blue Ford Falcon utility with a green P plate attached.

Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen the vehicles ‘pulled over’ on South Pine Road this morning to contact them.

The woman was not physically injured and police investigations are continuing.

Any motorist who believes the unmarked vehicle attempting to intercept them is not a police vehicle is urged to contact local police or if they fear for their safety to call Triple Zero (000), to verify the identity of the vehicle or the person.

Should a motorist find themselves in this situation they can:

Stop at a place they feel safe, such as a well lit area or an area with other people;

·         Keep their doors locked and windows closed;

·         Request to see the person’s police identification; and

·         Advise the person they are calling police to verify their identity.

 All on duty police officers, whether in plain clothes or uniform, are required to carry official QPS identification, comprising a metal QPS badge and an identification card, complete with the officer’s name, registered number and photograph. A member of the public may ask to view an officer’s QPS identification to verify the officer’s credentials and can contact local police to verify an officer’s details.

The penalty for impersonating a public official carries a maximum term of three years imprisonment.

(Source: MyPolice QPS News)

 

 

UPDATE: 30 May 14 - 5 pm - Police have now charged a 48 year old Eatons Hil man with impersonating police.

He has been charged with one count each of assuming the description of a police officer, stalking, possessing dangerous drugs and possessing utensils.

 

 

 

Have your say on motorcycle road rules

A new discussion paper is giving people an opportunity to have their say about motorcycle road rules.

The Motorcycle discussion paper will look at such things as “lane filtering”, the way motorcyclists ride and helmet rules among other things.

Lane filtering is when riders move at low speeds between vehicles that are stopped or moving slowly and is already practiced by some motorcycle riders.

While it is not banned in Queensland, the rules around lane filtering are not clear.

Changing the rules would also allow a rider to remove their feet to reverse park or take their hands off the handle to adjust their visor and not be in breach of the law as they are at present.

Road users can have their say on these changes by filling out the online survey at www.getinvolved.qld.gov.au.

Feedback closes 3 July 2014.

Court appearance - fake emails

The Magistrates Court Service has been advised that numerous courthouses around the state have been contacted by members of the public who have received an emailed “Notice of Appearance” that requests their appearance at a nominated date and time at the courthouse, and further requests they bring with them the documents attached to the email. 

The emails have been sent from random email addresses unconnected to the Queensland Courts or Department of Justice and Attorney-General, and appear to be spam, however it is unknown whether the email and its attachments are malicious. 

They have advised that if you appear to have received such spam, do not open the attached documents. Instead, contact the nominated courthouse to ascertain if there are any upcoming court appearances in your name. 

If you have already opened the attachments you should run a security scan of your computer and may wish to modify your email filers and notify your ISP/ email service provider.

Scam warning – RSPCA phone scam

One of our nearby NHW groups has reported that one of their residents recently received a phone call from what they say sounded like a "drunk" man claiming to be a representative of the RSPCA.

The caller asked the resident if they owned a dog and then asked if they owned another pet. The resident told the caller to get lost.

Later the resident's wife phoned the RSPCA as a follow up. The local RSPCA apparently checked both their National telemarketing databases and their Overseas databases and there was no similar telemarketing campaign operating. The RSPCA also advised that the resident’s phone number was not listed for telemarketing as the resident presently donates directly on-line.

The wife was informed by the RSPCA Brisbane Branch of a "scam" operating in the Sunshine Coast area, whereby dwellings with dogs are targeted by gangs who "dog-nap".  Apparently they phone the residents claiming to be from the RSPCA to find out if they are dog owners. This particular gang also paints a hot pink spot on the dog-owners residence so members of the gang are aware of which residents to target.

Whether or not this is true, it is certainly a timely reminder never to give out information over the phone to someone you do not know, even if it is something that seems innocuous.

There have been similar stories to this in some of the local newspapers. Pet owners – please be aware that these people could possibly want to "kid-nap" your pet and then ask for a reward.  This type of crime has happened on the Gold Coast and on the Southside according to the resident.