Fake cop arrested after brazen act: police
A man has been arrested after allegedly stealing a police uniform before brandishing an imitation firearm at a Melbourne venue.
Police allege the man gained entry to a property in Malvern East on Sunday before stealing police clothing, including shirts and boots.
The man allegedly fled the scene after he was confronted by one of the occupants who had returned home.
Later that evening, police received reports of a man wearing a police uniform and holding what appeared to be a firearm in the city’s southeast.
A large-scale search was dispatched by police, including Critical Incident Response Team officers, the Air Wing, and Dog Squad, but did not locate the man.
A short time later, police were called to a licensed premise on Dandenong Rd in Oakleigh where the man was allegedly in possession of the uniform and an imitation firearm.
The 46-year-old man with no fixed address was arrested at the scene and has since been charged with a slew of offences, including two counts of burglary and theft.
He was also charged with being a prohibited person possessing an imitation firearm, impersonating a public service officer, and possessing a controlled weapon.
He will appear before Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court later on Monday.
