POLICE are back using unmarked cars after a series of robberies saw carjackers pretending they were cops to pullover and steal vehicles.

Essex Police stopped using unmarked cars after two motorway robberies on the M11 on Saturday, July 23, and on the M25 on Monday, July 25.

In both incidents a van was pulled over by a silver Ford Mondeo with blue flashing lights, making it appear an unmarked cop car.

Police then told drivers not to stop if it looked like an unmarked car was trying to pull them over.

Following no similar robberies since then, police say the “risk to motorists in cars is low” and are today (August 3) back using unmarked cars as normal.

Lead investigator, DCI Stuart Smith added: “That does not mean that the only risk is to van drivers, but the only vehicles which have so far been stolen are vans.

“My advice to drivers of vans in particular is to remain alert and vigilant and try and establish whether unmarked vehicles are genuine with our control room while remaining compliant with the police vehicle before stopping if you are concerned.

Head of road policing, chief inspector Nick Lee, said it remains illegal to use your phone while driving, but in emergency situations, call 999.

He added: “We have discretion we can apply and if someone is in genuine fear of their life we would take a sensible approach in those circumstances.”

Investigations into both robberies are ongoing any anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at the SCD on 101 or email scdappeals@essex.pnn.police.uk.