NIc Brunetti – Police Oracle

Three men remain in custody on suspicion of impersonating police officers – after police at the Olympics responded to complaints from tourists that they were being targeted by “plain-clothed officers”.

The men, aged 32, 35 and 27, were arrested by the Westminster Crime Squad around 3pm on July 28, the Met has confirmed.

The force said the arrests were part of a “pro-active” Olympic operation targeting criminals.

A statement said: “The operation is in response to a number of visitors to London being approached by men claiming to be plain-clothed police officers and using various excuses to take their victims credit cards or cash from them.”

Det Supt Steve Osborn, for the Met said: “We have officers out there on the street identifying and arresting those who are involved in crime.

“I’m very pleased with the arrests my officers made, there have been a number of incidents where criminals have impersonated police officers to take money off unsuspecting tourists.”

A spokesman said the three arrested remain in custody in central London.