Kent police warn of suspects posing as police in Sevenoaks

Detectives have issued an urgent alert after suspected burglars, captured on CCTV, posed as police officers to scout homes and vehicles. Kent Police released doorbell camera footage showing two men in Sevenoaks, believed to be impersonating officers. They are seeking to speak with the individuals in connection to separate incidents on Kippington Road related to attempted vehicle theft and burglary.

The suspects, donning vests resembling police gear, approached a suburban property around 9pm on September 11. They departed shortly after. This event is linked to a prior report of suspicious activity on the same road on Friday, August 23.

The community is urged to contact the authorities or Crimestoppers with any helpful information. In a statement on Wednesday, Kent Police reported that around 9pm on September 11, two unidentified men approached a property. They wore tracksuits, black gloves, and vests similar to police attire, departing the scene shortly after.

This incident is connected to a suspicious behaviour report on August 23, where at approximately 1.30am, two suspects in balaclavas attempted to steal a car but left empty-handed. Investigating officers have released several images and wish to identify and speak to those pictured. Impersonating a police officer, an offence under the 1996 Police Act, carries a maximum sentence of six months in prison.

These incidents in Sevenoaks are not unprecedented. In October 2021, two men claiming to be officers, wearing crude uniforms, were caught on camera being chased out of an east London apartment block by residents. Similarly, in November last year, 17-year-old Joe Metcalfe received a 10-year prison sentence for planning to murder Muslims at a mosque while disguised as an armed police officer.