Conmen are posing as police officers in order to pull over cars and steal them from unsuspecting motorists.
And real officers are now investigating the brazen incidents which they have branded a “great concern” to public safety.
It comes after two men wearing uniforms fitted a blue flash light to their Volkswagen Passat.
They stopped the driver of an Audi A1 and then managed to persuade him to get out of his car.
But of the suspects drove off with the vehicle leaving the other suspect to make off in the Passat.
The shocking incident happened in East Kilbride, Lanarkshire, on Sunday evening, and was reported by the 28-year-old victim.
A similar incident occurred near to the First Glass public house on Hamilton Road, Cambuslang.
But the driver refused to leave his vehicle and requested to see the officer’s warrant card to confirm his identity.
When unable to produce this the suspect returned to his car and made off along with his accomplice.
The suspect who approached both vehicles is described as white, approximately 5ft 8 in height, medium build with short brown gelled hair.
He was wearing black cargo trousers, black utility belt, black body armour and seen to be speaking into a radio which was being held in his hand.
Detective Sergeant Graeme Begley: “This causes great concern that there are individuals out there posing as police officers and managing to con members of the public as they go about their daily business.
“I would like to speak to anyone who was in the vicinity at the time either of these incidents took place and who may have witnessed either incident or perhaps saw the suspects hanging around the areas in their car.
“I’d also like to remind anyone who has any concerns regarding the authenticity of a police officer to simply ask for identification – any legitimate police officer will always be in possession of this and happy to produce when asked.”
Anyone with information that can assist enquiries is asked to contact police at Airdrie via 101.
Alternatively calls came by made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.
