Police are investigating an incident in which a man approached a group of women in York city centre, falsely claiming to be a police officer.
At about 9.40pm on Thursday (17 June), the man spoke to the group in Piccadilly.
He told them he was a police officer in plain clothes, searching for a sex offender. He offered to walk them home, and asked for personal details including their names, addresses and social media accounts.
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A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “Due to his suspicious behaviour, the women did not believe him and approached other members of the public for help, after which the man left.”
The man is described as
- white
- aged in his mid 20s-30s
- 5ft 10ins tall
- with short gingery / light brown hair
- and a short beard.
At the time of the incident he was wearing shorts, a brown T-shirt or polo shirt and flip-flops.
Officers are investigating, and would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has been approached in similar circumstances in York.
The police spokesperson said: “A genuine police officer will identify themselves by showing you their warrant card.
“This is proof of their identity and authority. If you want to verify their identity, you can ask for their collar number and call 101 to check they are who they claim to be.”
How to help the police
- Call North Yorkshire Police on 101
- Email Ffion Twomlow here
- Quote reference number 12210141808