Fake Cops Snatch Thousands from DPD Drivers in Brazen Robberies
Two wannabe cops pulled off a daring daylight heist, posing as undercover officers to rob DPD drivers and leave them stranded. The pair hit twice in just days, stealing thousands in goods before facing the long arm of the law.
The Great Police Impersonation
On October 12, 2019, Andrew John Bluck, 38, and Adam Keith Merkitt, 37, dressed as cops and stopped a DPD driver on Station Road, Rushden. Claiming suspicion of a dodgy package inside his van, they forced their way in and drove to Higham Football Club car park. There, Tanya Dawkes, 47, waiting in her silver SEAT Leon, helped load up thousands of pounds worth of loot — TVs, smartphones, and more — before the trio sped off, leaving the driver locked out without his keys.
Strike Two: Same Trick in Oxfordshire
Just two days later, the same scam played out in Witney, Oxfordshire. Bluck and Merkitt followed another DPD driver from a depot, again posing as undercover cops. They seized control of the vehicle and stole yet more valuable goods.
Justice Served: Prison Time for the Trio
Following a joint investigation with Thames Valley Police, all three were arrested and charged. At Northampton Crown Court on March 11, Bluck copped nine years and seven months, while Merkitt got nine years for two counts each of robbery and kidnap.
Tanya Dawkes, who met Merkitt on Tinder in 2019, denied charges but was found guilty and sentenced to two years and six months. She claimed to have been asleep in the car during the crime, but evidence showed she was driving.
Lead Investigator DC Lyn Townsend said: “These offences were brazen, shameless and driven by greed. The drivers were terrorised — robbed and kidnapped, driven around in their own vans with no idea what would happen next.
“I hope these tough sentences bring justice and let the drivers move on with their lives.
“Dawkes tried to plead innocence but the court saw the truth. She played a key role in the first robbery and rightly received a prison term.”
“Thanks to Thames Valley Police and the dedicated analyst who helped make this case a success.”
