Authorities are warning drivers to be wary of phoney cops after a set of fake police lights were used to pull over and rob a driver in Conder on Tuesday night.
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The victim was driving along Tharwa Drive about 10.50pm, when a vehicle approached from behind with a set of red and blue lights flashing on its dashboard.
When the victim pulled over, a passenger from the other car walked up with a baseball bat in hand, and forced him to hand over his wallet, police say.
Police said the driver was not hurt in the incident.
The impersonation of a police officer can result in six months' imprisonment or the loss of 50penalty points.
Police figures released to The Canberra Times show that 17 people have been charged with impersonating a police officer since 2003. Those 17 people have collected nearly 29 charges between them.
A Canberra man was convicted after posing as a police officer to try and obtain information relating to a missing person in September 2010.
He was ordered to serve 100 hours of community service after pleading guilty to five counts of impersonating a police officer.
An 18-year-old was caught by police driving with a set of police lights, sirens, a radio and a police badge in 2008.
In 2005, an AFP Protective Services officer used a fake badge and threatened to arrest various people.
He had made the fake badges by purchasing two wooden plaques from the Australian Federal Police Association, which had replica AFP badges attached, and two AFP leather wallets.
ACT Policing Sergeant Shane Scott said the deliberate impersonation of a police vehicle was ''very rare'', but urged drivers to be wary and ask to see an officer's identification if something seemed amiss.
''It has occurred in the past, and we warn members of the public to be vigilant when pulled over by a car with red and blue flashing lights,'' Sergeant Scott said.
''Police vehicles are fitted with a standard type of light, mostly positioned in the centre of the dash, and if people have concerns, they can always request identification from the officer approaching them,'' he said.
Police said that the vehicle used in Tuesday night's alleged robbery was a dark blue Holden V8 Commodore, described as ''well kept'', with no stripes or stickers and with stock wheels, rims and spoiler.
The alleged offender was in his early 40s, 183cm tall, wearing a black muscle shirt and black pants, according to police.
He is believed to have dark stubble on his face, and reportedly spoke with a deep voice and an Australian accent.
Anyone with information on the incident is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or visit www.act.crimestoppers.com.au
