Concern old Sussex Police uniforms could be used by criminals

It has listed items including police issue jackets online just weeks after an elderly couple in Brighton were scammed out of £9,000 by two bogus cops.

The director for England of the Action on Elder Abuse charity, Stephen McCarthy, said: “It’s not going to be bringing in an awful lot of money and it seems a bit strange - why take that risk for such small amounts of money?”

One item is listed online as a ‘Gore Windstopper Tornado Fleece Jacket Large Short Black Security Yaffy.’

The new and unworn black jacket is described as Sussex Police equipment which is ‘surplus to requirement’.

There is also equipment such as UV flashlights and hi-visibility jackets listed for as little £9.99.

Police branding has been removed from the gear but Mr McCarthy still fears it makes fraud ‘that little bit more easy’ for criminals.

He said: “We regularly see stories about people impersonating police officers as a way to commit scams against older people.

“There’s an argument I think the police would make that these items can possibly be found elsewhere if you want to buy them, and we would not want to disagree.

“When it comes to things seen to be identified with police officers it seems to be sending the wrong message.

“I think they should probably be restricted from selling these sorts of items.

“If Sussex Police stop selling these garments today it’s not going to stop people committing these crimes, but why make it that little bit more easy?

“It’s fine to say the insignia is removed but often when we see these cases the uniforms that have been worn aren’t exactly precise replicas.”

In December two criminals dressed as police convinced two pensioners, a 72-year-old woman and a 74-year-old man, to hand over £6,000 and £3,000 respectively.

They told the pair work recently carried out on their home was done by bogus builders who were now in court.