OMEN
10-04-2007, 09:18 AM
A thief has stolen a life-size cardboard cut-out of a policeman that was intended to deter shoplifters at a supermarket.
Police say the cardboard cut-out replica of PC Bob Molloy had been doing a great job of deterring shoplifters in Long Eaton, Derbyshire.
The cheeky thief paid for his groceries at the Co-op store and then waltzed off with the life-size PC Molloy tucked under his arm.
But Derbyshire Police may yet have the last laugh - as the theft was captured by CCTV cameras and they are confident of making an arrest.
Thefts had fallen from 36 per month to just one since PC Molloy's 2D presence was introduced two years ago, and police believe the theft may be an act of revenge.
The cut-out, which cost £100 to produce, has been rotated between stores across Belper and Long Eaton.
It shows PC Molloy in full uniform and with arms folded. It looks so life-like that some shoppers have even tried to engage the cardboard copper in conversation.
Insp Andy Picken said: "We were using the cut-out as a way of engaging more with the local community, so it is a bit disappointing.
"We are pursuing lines of inquiry and hope to have some good news soon."
Annanova
Police say the cardboard cut-out replica of PC Bob Molloy had been doing a great job of deterring shoplifters in Long Eaton, Derbyshire.
The cheeky thief paid for his groceries at the Co-op store and then waltzed off with the life-size PC Molloy tucked under his arm.
But Derbyshire Police may yet have the last laugh - as the theft was captured by CCTV cameras and they are confident of making an arrest.
Thefts had fallen from 36 per month to just one since PC Molloy's 2D presence was introduced two years ago, and police believe the theft may be an act of revenge.
The cut-out, which cost £100 to produce, has been rotated between stores across Belper and Long Eaton.
It shows PC Molloy in full uniform and with arms folded. It looks so life-like that some shoppers have even tried to engage the cardboard copper in conversation.
Insp Andy Picken said: "We were using the cut-out as a way of engaging more with the local community, so it is a bit disappointing.
"We are pursuing lines of inquiry and hope to have some good news soon."
Annanova