Bogus Cops Cash In On Tourists

Four Romanian men have been arrested in Vienna for fleecing unwitting tourists. The ruse, which resembled that of an Ealing Comedy, was perhaps not so funny for the victims, although original nonetheless.

The Romanian robbers dressed up as policemen to carry out their caper. After approaching their target - typically Japanese - they would inform the hapless tourist that a woeful crop of counterfeit money had come onto the market. It was thus necessary to examine the contents of the traveller's wallet. But before the victim had time to say schnitzel, the policemen had vanished, along with the wallet.

The authentic Austrian police are now warning that other gangs could still be at large in the capital, although it is probable that they will opt for a change of costume following this week's arrests.