Watch out for criminals posing as cops, house-hunters

PANCHKULA: The criminals in the city are getting creative with their methods to strike at city residents. The latest of their ways to dupe people is to approach them posing as a government official or someone seeking information before they strike.
The recent strikes by 'fake' cops, prospective tenants or postman in Panchkula is as a wake up call for city residents to be aware of the criminals in the garb.
"It is difficult to trust any one now. I have stopped responding to strangers when they ask me directions. Even a genuine person will suffer due to such crimes," says Nakul Sood, a resident of Sector 12, Panchkula.
Vishesh Singh, a resident of Sector 14, Panchkula says he did not answer a person when he stopped his car next to him and asked directions for Sector 7, Panchkula. "Activities reported about criminals' strike in garb of information seekers came to my mind and walked away. That person might have thought I am mad or something, but it is better not to take a risk," he adds.
The residents say these incidents reflect the poor condition of law and order in the city. "The way the lady was robbed by 'prospective tenants' and ACP Dheeraj Setia's irreponsible statement on the incident is disappointing. It shows the careless attitude of police," says Deeksha Gaur of Sector 6, Panchkula. In two different incidents on Saturday, miscreants dressed up as cops and posed as 'prospective tenants' to commit crimes. The city had so far witnessed a trend of criminals approaching their target in the garb of good Samaritans, but they have taken to donning a different guise for every strike now.