Police impersonators sought in theft cases

7/25/2009

Toledo police are seeking help through the Crime Stopper program with people impersonating police officers to steal money.

In three instances recently, suspects identified themselves as detectives and asked about the victims' finances.

The first two crimes were against elderly women who returned from the grocery store and were approached by a woman in her 30s who showed a badge and claimed to be a detective.

The suspect entered the houses and asked about finances and if they kept money in the house. When the victims became suspicious and began asking questions, the suspect fled.

In the third instance, an older man was approached by a man in his 50s who showed a badge and identified himself as a detective. He told the victim he was investigating a robbery and had to inspect his money to see whether it was involved in the crime. The suspect fled after getting the money.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stopper, 419-255-1111, and may qualify for a cash reward.