A WOMAN has been arrested on suspicion of posing as a police officer and robbing men in red light districts.
The 27-year-old was picked up by police investigating a series of robberies in the Stockton and Middlesbrough areas.
The alleged offences have involved a woman impersonating a police officer and stopping men in red light areas.
She has told the men they were under arrest for combing streets looking for prostitutes, and then took cash for apparent on-the-spot fines.
On one occasion last Friday, a 21-year-old man was stopped in Union Street, Middlesbrough, at 2.30am.
The woman showed him what looked like a badge or warrant card and warned him she was taking him to meet some of her colleagues.
However, on the way, she rifled through his pockets and stole £140 in cash, saying it was payment for a fine. She then made off along Parliament Road.
The woman, who is from Stockton, is being questioned and detectives are keen to speak to men who may have been subjected to similar offences.
Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Constable Carl Hodgson on (01642) 302226.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article