Thieves steal 'cardboard copper' used to reduce shoplifting

 

Last updated at 14:52pm on 2nd October 2007 Comments (1)

A cardboard cut-out copper who led a shoplifting crackdown has fallen victim to a revenge plot - after he was stolen himself.

Thefts plunged from an average of 36 a month to just one after a life-size replica of PC Bob Molloy was put up in shops in Belper, Derbyshire.

But now the 2D version of the beat bobby has vanished from the frontline after a cheeky thief stole him from the Co-Op in nearby Long Eaton.

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2D Crime Buster: This life-size replica of PC Bob Molloy - used in a shoplifting crackdown - was stolen from a store in Derbyshire

 

The culprit, a man thought to be aged between 35 and 40, was captured on CCTV as he calmly strolled out with PC Molloy tucked under his arm.

But the crime-busting cut-out had at least done his duty for one last time - because the thief paid for his shopping before making off with him.

The incident came just days after police chiefs hailed the replica's effectiveness in slashing shoplifting across Derbyshire's A Division.

PC Molloy's silent alter-ego has appeared in shops across the patch, enjoying his greatest success during a recent spell in Belper.

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Crackdown: Thefts in the area decreased after the cardboard cut out was introduced

 

The copy - featuring PC Molloy with arms folded and in full uniform, including helmet and fluorescent jacket - cost 100 pounds to produce.

Police said they were hopeful a prankster was behind the theft and that the thinnest blue line would be back in action soon.

Inspector Andy Picken said: "We were using the cut-out as a way of engaging more with the local community, so the theft is a bit disappointing.

"But the project has not been hampered in any way by this incident. We are pursuing lines of inquiry and hope to have some good news soon."

A Co-Op spokeswoman confirmed footage of the theft had been passed on to police, adding: "We think this is likely to have been a prank."

The real PC Molloy, who patrols Langley Mill, Derbyshire, said: "The cut-outs put a police presence in your mind - they have a psychological effect.

"At a glance they look very realistic. Just the other day someone told me they said hello to me in a store but I never replied to them.

Another meaning to the thin blue line!

Maybe photos will now keep appearing of "him" in front of various landmarks or bizarre situations!!:D

Who would steal that..:dozey:

Hmm, I can't really judge, walking home after a night out, that thing would seem like an excellent beer trophy...much better than a traffic cone!