Police cut-outs stationed in town

The idea is to help residents recognise their neighbourhood beat officer

Life-size cardboard cut-outs of Taunton police officers are being stationed in parts of the town to help residents recognise their local "bobby".

The five models, each costing £100, are of the beat managers from the Safer Stronger Neighbourhood policing team.

They will be placed in various locations, including supermarkets, schools and doctors' surgeries.

Sergeant Andy Murphy said the idea was to let people know that their local officers were available to help.

"It's a case of recognition," he said.

"If people in our neighbourhoods know the name and face of their beat manager it makes them more familiar and therefore approachable."