Hamilton police searching for man committing thefts while posing as officer

Hamilton police are searching for a man who stole from two people while posing as an undercover officer.

Authorities are issuing a warning to the public following two incidents on April 13 involving a man posing as a police officer stealing from unsuspecting individuals.

According to police, the first theft occurred at approximately 8 a.m. in the area of Cannon Street East and Wellington Street North.

The victim left a store when they were called over by a man in a black vehicle. The man in the vehicle claimed to be an undercover officer and said the victim matched a suspect description involved in a recent investigation.

He then directed the victim to surrender their wallet to see their ID. Once the man had the wallet in hand, he fled the area.

A second incident occurred later that same morning around 9:30 a.m. near King and Ashley streets.

The victim in this incident was walking before being approached by the same man, who again identified himself as an undercover officer.

He told the victim they were being detained in relation to a bike theft. He patted the victim down and removed their cellphone and debit card.

The man indicated he needed to return to his vehicle to place the items in an evidence bag but did not return.

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Authorities describe the man as approximately five-foot-five tall with a larger build, around 25 years old, a tattoo above his left eye and short brown hair.

He was last seen wearing a multi-coloured baseball cap, black pants and a colourful top. He was driving a black SUV similar to the appearance of a police vehicle.

Hamilton police are reminding the public that legitimate police officers will clearly identify themselves and wear identifiable police-issued clothing. They also carry both a badge and an official warrant card.

Members of the public have the right to request proper identification if they are approached.

Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact police at 905-546-4725.

Those wishing to provide information anonymously can do so through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or via their website.

READ MORE: Two men arrested following series of break-ins across Hamilton, southern Ontario