Two men impersonating police officers pulled over a driver and attempted to fine her £60 for unnecessary travels amid the coronavirus lockdown.
The carer was driving through Brandesburton, East Yorks, yesterday around 9.30am when two men signaled for her to pull over.
The scammers, dressed in black zip-up hoodies, carrying walkie-talkies and wearing earpieces, demanded that the woman pay an on-the-spot fine in cash.
She refused to pay the £60 and drove off.
But Humberside Police had to explain that it was not stopping vehicles in relation to Covid-19.
Chief Superintendent Darren Downs said: “I would like to make clear that our current approach to new legislation and powers does not involve routinely stopping any vehicles to enquire where people are driving to and if it’s an essential journey.
“In our general day to day policing role, we do stop vehicles where there is a reason to do so, for instance driving erratically, speeding or without due care or attention, and this will continue.
“However, there are no checkpoints or stop areas in place and drivers will not be pulled over by officers to just ask where they are going, unless it is in response to a specific event, for example we see or become aware of a number of vehicles that are travelling to a mass gathering.
“Our approach to policing the new rules is around engagement with the public as opposed to enforcement, and with any of the powers, we will always try to talk to people first and explain the situation, to encourage individuals to adhere to the Government’s guidance.
“The fines that have been granted as a power to use as part of the new legislation are a very last resort, and if enforced, they would never be an “on the spot” fine. A fixed penalty notice would be issued to the individual with the instructions on how to pay within a certain period of time.
“If you are stopped by anyone who appears to be portraying themselves as an official, always ask to see some form of identification and if you are concerned for your safety or are in danger, immediately call 999.
“Please be aware and alert to anyone who may attempt to take advantage of these unprecedented times we find ourselves in.
“We know the majority of people are all pulling together, however there will always be a small number of people who choose to exploit situations, and we will take strong action against them.”
This comes as the government has handed police unprecedented powers in a bid to curb the spread of the killer virus.
Introduced on Thursday (26/3) with immediate effect, the new powers allow enforcement officers to disperse groups using “reasonable force” and arrest those who fail to comply.
Those who ignore the tougher restrictions could be hit with a £60 fine and £120 if they re-offend.
