The case highlights a growing risk for professional drivers who rest overnight at parking areas and service stations. Criminals are increasingly exploiting trust in uniformed services, acting quickly and using pressure to prevent victims from reacting.
The incident occurred on Saturday evening in Bockenem, Lower Saxony. The driver had parked in a side parking area near a fuel station when a passenger car pulled up alongside his truck.
A man got out of the vehicle, introduced himself as a police officer and claimed to be carrying out an official check. While engaging the driver in conversation, he took the driver’s wallet. A four-figure sum of cash was later found to be missing. The perpetrators then drove off in an easterly direction.
Police have confirmed that the men were not officers. An investigation is under way, traces have been secured, and officers are appealing for witnesses. They are also seeking information about the suspects’ vehicle, which was reportedly a Mercedes.
Imitation uniform and false authority
According to police, one of the suspects was wearing a dark blue jacket bearing the word “Polizei” but without official insignia. He also wore a baseball cap and had a light moustache. He is described as being around 180 centimetres tall and weighing approximately 85 kilograms.
This is a well-known modus operandi: imitation police clothing, a confident manner and rapid action that leaves the victim little time to question the situation. For professional drivers, fatigue and unfamiliar surroundings can further increase vulnerability.
How to recognise a genuine police officer
Police stress that officers are required to present official identification on request. In Germany, two versions of police ID are currently valid: an older version and a newer one that is being introduced gradually.
Both IDs include the officer’s photograph, first and last name and rank. The older card bears the wording “Dienstausweis” (service ID), while the newer one states “Polizeidienstausweis” (police service ID). The new ID includes several security features, such as a holographic police star on the front, raised tactile elements and a tilted photograph. On the reverse, the number 110 is printed using optically variable ink. For blind and visually impaired people, the word “Polizei” appears in Braille on the back.
A refusal to show identification, visible haste, or explanations such as “I’ll get it from the patrol car” should immediately raise suspicion.
What drivers should do if in doubt
If there is any uncertainty, police advise drivers to contact the relevant police unit directly or call 110. Importantly, the phone number should be obtained independently, rather than relying on contact details provided by the alleged officers.
Police emphasise that a genuine officer will have no objection to waiting while their identity is verified. Any attempt to apply pressure, intimidate with threats of consequences or demand the immediate handover of cash should be treated as a clear warning sign.
Increased risk at parking areas
The incident in Bockenem underlines that parking areas near fuel stations remain high-risk locations, particularly after dark. Truck drivers, who often carry cash and important documents, are a frequent target for fraudsters.
Vigilance, familiarity with police procedures and a cautious approach towards anyone claiming official authority can help prevent serious losses. In this case, it took only a few minutes for the driver to lose a substantial amount of money. Police hope that public warnings about such incidents will help prevent similar crimes in the future.
