Warning After Thieves Target Tourists In Edinburgh

Police Scotland have issued a warning to the public to remain vigilant after a group of thieves have been posing as police officers in an attempt to steal cash from tourists in Edinburgh.

The incidents have been reported in the last few days, at Princes Street, St Andrews Square and Johnstone Terrace.

Detective Sergeant Willie Falconer said: "All of the incidents are very alike and there is clearly a group of thieves using the same tactic to try and make off with cash from unsuspecting tourists.

"On Thursday in St Andrews Square, for example, we received a report from a woman after she was approached by a Mediterranean/dark European looking man posing as a tourist.

"The man and woman were soon approached by another two men who were of Asian appearance and presented themselves as police officers.

"The so-called police officers then asked to see their wallets on the pretext of checking for counterfeit currency and identification. They took some cash from the wallets, appeared to sniff the money, replace it and then handed the wallets back.

"But after the three men left, the woman discovered that there was £140 missing from her wallet."

Enquiries into the incidents are continuing and anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or, alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

(JP)