It is reported that at 3.30am on Thursday 30 November 2023, a woman met three men in the area of Old Christchurch Road. The woman was shown a false warrant card by one of the men and taken home in a silver Volvo with unknown registration plates. During the journey, the men reportedly illuminated a blue flashing light and sounded a siren fitted to the vehicle.

The vehicle, containing the three men and the woman, was driven away from Glen Fern Road car park and was last seen travelling on Boundary Road and turning into Columbia Road.

The men dropped the woman at an address in the town and she was not harmed in any way. She had no further contact with the men.

Police Constable Jordan Skinner, of Bournemouth police, said: “This was a very uncomfortable experience for the woman involved, who placed her trust in three men who did not turn out to be who they claimed to be. It is fortunate that the victim did not come to any harm.

“Impersonating a police officer is a very serious offence, which ultimately undermines and erodes the public’s confidence in policing.

“I would like to hear from anyone who was in the area around the relevant time and witnessed any suspicious activity. I would also urge any motorists who were driving in the vicinity and may have relevant dashcam footage, or residents with home CCTV or doorbell cameras, to please check their devices for anything that might assist our enquiries.”

Dorset Police has obtained CCTV images of the vehicle involved and the three men. To view this visit https://news.dorset.police.uk/

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55230189382. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.