umarked Omega police car

[fzero]

Was on my way home tonight in Southampton and was following a dark coloured 03 plate Vauxhall Omega, was following for a minute or so, when the police lights came one red and on blue in the back window they pulled the car in front over I looked over and the driver as not in uniform.

Was a bit surprised by this as I did not think they used cars this old and that the driver was not in uniform, so turned and around went back to have better look but they had gone already by the time I went back.

So this got me thinking were they real police or not, has anyone else seen them around Southampton.

[Ki3r]

Driver doesn't have to be in uniform.

[Tyy]

Never seen them in one of those but definitely seen them in unmarked dark green skoda's on the M3, one of my friends dad works for the police in soton so I can find out what they have if you want

[Some Gump]

I'd be very suprised to see plod in an 03. Was it sone of those wannabe police numpties that put fake lights on whilst on the m6?

[pwrc]

not uncommon to see early plate vectras around here, even older fords and bmws. usually marked though. I guess in the "age of austerity" if it ain't broke, don't replace it

on the other hand when I'm occasionally in coventry they have brand spanking new peugeots around

[Needa308GT4]

they use all sorts.

It's not just traffic that use unmarked vehicles.

[Synchromesh]

I saw this one on the Road just two weeks ago. A bit of research shows it was donated by Rover to the Metropolitan Special Constabulary, hence the number plate. Photo not taken by me btw. Still, I was surprised they still had a 75 in operation.

[Sir Bagalot]

Synchromesh said:

I saw this one on the Road just two weeks ago. A bit of research shows it was donated by Rover to the Metropolitan Special Constabulary, hence the number plate. Photo not taken by me btw. Still, I was surprised they still had a 75 in operation.

You sure that's in active service? It's a 1.8 Auto.....

[Birdster]

Some Gump said:

I'd be very suprised to see plod in an 03. Was it sone of those wannabe police numpties that put fake lights on whilst on the m6?

I thought the point was that they use old cars to catch you out. I always thought it was an urban myth. Seems to be more common to hear reports like this. Or myths.

[Jimmy No Hands]

This evening I saw a black unmarked vectra with two clothed officers in.


In the rear window was a 'Dads taxi' sign in pink and blue. It also had.a private reg and a VVOC.com sticker.

Nice and discreet I thought!

[blugnu]

They do seem to be getting 'sneakier' - saw an old shape M5 with the numberplate M5 LLW or similar on the M1 near Leicester Forest East the other week. The little blue lights behind the grille light up quite clearly if the sun hits them just right.

[McSam]

blugnu said:

They do seem to be getting 'sneakier' - saw an old shape M5 with the numberplate M5 LLW or similar on the M1 near Leicester Forest East the other week. The little blue lights behind the grille light up quite clearly if the sun hits them just right.

Quite possible that they confiscated that one and just left it as it was, though.

[checkmate91]

Needa308GT4 said:

they use all sorts.

It's not just traffic that use unmarked vehicles.

Good answer! Unmarked cars are unmarked!!!

[rohrl]

Do policemen ever go to and from work in uniform or do they always get changed at the police station?

[LeeThr]

Around me they have an 02 plate mondeo they like to curb crawl in.

[Needa308GT4]

rohrl said:

Do policemen ever go to and from work in uniform or do they always get changed at the police station?

Personal choice.

Never went to work in 'full' uniform as I used public transport at the time. But trousers, shirt and boots yes.

Without any form of comms (this was pre mobile days) it's a big risk tbh.

[JulianHJ]

rohrl said:

Do policemen ever go to and from work in uniform or do they always get changed at the police station?

'Half blues' is pretty standard round my way - uniform top, trousers and boots with a civvy jacket over the top. Screamingly obvious when on foot, but as most drive in it's not an issue.

[billzeebub]

traffic tend to use the newer motors, whereas covert and surveillance use any suitable roadworthy vehicle

[redtwin]

The use of the red flashing light would raise more suspicion. I was under the impression that police only used blue lights.

[B Huey]

Some Gump said:

I'd be very suprised to see plod in an 03. Was it sone of those wannabe police numpties that put fake lights on whilst on the m6?

Saw some prick in a Volvo S60 with fake lights on the front grill just the other day.

Don't get me started on the fake police motorbikers either.