Bogus police officers assaulted a motorist in Whipperley Way after asking him to pull over.
Beds Police are warning drivers to be extra cautious and check the credentials of any officers driving unmarked cars who pull them over as they drive through town.
At 2.59am on Saturday a 41-year-old man was signalled to stop by a driver in a dark-coloured Mercedes displaying blue lights.
Two men got out of the Mercedes and asked the victim to step out of his car.
They took the victim’s ignition key before assaulting him and taking his wallet.
The two offenders are described as two black men, both 25 to 30 years old, 5’6” tall and wearing dark clothes with hoods pulled up over their heads.
The victim managed to get home and arranged for his car to be recovered.
Det Con Cathy Layton said: “Officers stopping motorists will always identify themselves with official identification cards and I would recommend that anyone who is stopped by officers in plain clothes asks to see an identification card. If you are still unsure you can contact the force control room on 101 and confirm that you are dealing with bona fide police officers.
“I would also like to urge anyone who can help identify the two men involved in this incident from the descriptions given to come forward and assist this investigation.”
Anyone with information about this incident can contact Det Con Layton, in confidence, at Luton Police Station, on 01582 394471, or Bedfordshire Police on 101, or text information to 07786 200011.
Alternatively they can contact the independent crime fighting charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.