Boy (13) approached by fake policemen

Apr 7 2011 by Chris Clements, Hamilton Advertiser

A MUM whose 13-year-old son was approached by three men posing as cops has told of how her family’s nerves are shredded.

The woman – who cannot be named for legal reasons – told the Advertiser this week how the men ordered the teen to get into a car near his home last Thursday (March 31).

He had been standing with two friends in Ivy Place, Blantyre, when a blue car carrying three young men pulled up.

The car is believed to have been an old-style Ford Fiesta.

The passenger, described as having a shaved head and in his 20s, told the boy that they were all Strathclyde Police officers.

The suspect is said to have ordered the boy into the car, flashing a driver’s licence and claiming it was a police identification card.

After a short conversation, the suspicious 13-year-old refused and fled.

The suspects are said to have become threatening and told him that they were “going to come back for him”.

The alleged incident happened at around 8.30pm on March 31. Police have described it as an “isolated” event.

However, his mother said that the family is very concerned about the incident.

“I think the three guys targeted my son because he is quite tall for his age,” she said.

“The man in the passenger seat, who did most of the talking, asked him his name and his age.

“He told my son that he was from Strathclyde Police. He then flashed a driving licence, and said it was his ID.

“Then the men in the car demanded that my son get in, so that they could speak to him.

“He refused, because he knew something was up right away. My son isn’t stupid, and he has seen a driver’s licence before.

“When he said no, the guys became threatening, and ordered him to get in the car.

“At that point, he ran away. But the men told him that they were going to be back for him.

“I think his friends had also ran away by that time.”

She explained that her son had come in straight away in a panic and told his parents what had happened. “I think he was shocked because it all happened so fast,” she said.

“They were all aged in their 20s. The front passenger who asked him to get in had a shaved-in haircut, while the guy in the back had spiky hair. They all brown hair.

“He was quite terrified by it all. He goes to tae kwon do four nights a week, and is rarely out.

“Usually, he and his friends stay in and play the Xbox.

“But then one night, when he decides to go out, this happens.

“As parents, we spend a lot of time encouraging him to go outside, but now I’m wondering if that is such a good thing.”

After the incident, the family contacted police, who are investigating the incident.

She added: “Our hands are tied with this, and there is nothing we can do.

“He is now scared when he goes to school, just in case the same car pulls up while he is waiting at a bus stop.”

A Strathclyde Police spokeswoman confirmed that police were enquiries into an alleged breach of the peace were continuing.

Inspector Andy Munro, Community Inspector at Blantyre, also urged residents to be calm about the incident.

“This was a rather alarming experience for the young boy concerned,” he said.

“This would appear to be an isolated incident, and we would urge members of the community not to be unduly concerned.

“We are continuing enquiries to identify the persons in the vehicle, and again would ask members of the community to contact us if they have information.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Blantyre Police Office on 01698 202500.