XN000022-1976-01-14 — Page 6

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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,'

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