Investigation into theft by fake officers at Inverness Leisure Centre

Detectives in Inverness are appealing for information as part of their enquiries into a theft which took place at the Inverness Leisure Centre car park over the weekend.

The incident happened around 8.20pm on Sunday, 15 August, at the car park in the Bught Lane area.

The victim, a 42-year-old man, was approached by two men, who claimed to be police officers needing to search his car. They stole a number of personal items and cash from the car, before leaving the area in a dark vehicle

The first man is described as being white, around 5ft 7, with a slim build and short dark hair, wearing a bright coloured t-shirt and jeans. The second man is described as being around 5ft 9, with a stocky build and scruffy dark hair, wearing a blue jacket. Both men spoke with Scottish accents.

Detective Sergeant Joanna Macleod, from Inverness CID, said: “It is particularly disturbing to see that the victim’s trust in the police was taken advantage of by these two fraudsters, only for them to ransack his car. We are carrying out extensive enquiries to identify the pair, so they can be brought to justice.

“We are appealing for anyone with information on this incident, or who was in the area and may have potential dashcam footage, to please come forward.

“At this time, I’d also ask the public to remain vigilant. If anyone approaches you, claiming to be a member of Police Scotland, please ensure that you ask to see some form of identification.”

Anyone with information on this incident can contact police on 101, quoting incident 3563 of 15 August. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.