RIETI — More criminals, operating under the guise of journalists or forces of the order, have been making attempts to loot areas struck by last week’s earthquake which killed 290 people, police officials say. 

 In one case, the alarm was raised by a woman after she asked two suspicious looking people to display proof of identity, before they quickly ran away. In another, two men posing as reporters were making for the house of President of the Lazio region Carlo Lotito. 

 Faced with this risk, officials moving around the earthquake zone are being made to wear dress in a distinctive manner, be they in uniform or in plain clothes. 

 Locals have been given an emergency number to call in case any doubts should arise.

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