5
-
Wednesday, January 14, 1976
BE ALERT AGAINST BOGUS FIREHEN
The Fire Services Department today warned members of
the public to watch out for bogus firemen, especially during the
Lunar New Year period.
A spokesman for the Department said that reports of this
naturo had been received from time to time.
In a recent case four men in civilian clothes went
to a school in Kowloon. They claimed to be Fire Services personnel
and tried to gain access into the premises. However, the principal
of the school became suspicious and refused to allow them in. She
latur checked with the Fire Prevention Bureau and was told that no
such visit was made on that date.
"All fire officers calling on premises are dressed in
full uniform," the spokesman said. "They are issued with a numbered
warrant card and they also carry a Government identity card bearing
the holder's photograph. 11
Any member of the public in the slightest doubt should
first ask to see those cards. If they are still not satisfied, they
should telephone the Fire Services Department or the Police immediately.
The spokesman pointed out that these men, having tried
on one occasion, would very likely try again and the public should
be on teir guard,
"Apart from being criminal," he stressed, "this type
of action brings unwarranted discredit upon the Department,'
16