"Cardboard coppers" cut crime

Officers say the number of thefts in local stores has fallen

Shoplifting in Harrogate has fallen since the introduction of so-called "cardboard coppers".

Life-size cut-outs of police officers were installed in shops to act as a psychological deterrent to thieves, a year ago.

One store told police that it had seen a fall of 50% in the number of thefts since "employing" the cardboard copper.

The scheme was funded by the Harrogate District Safer Community Partnership.

PC Graham Frostick from the Safer Neighbourhood Team in Harrogate said: "We've been doing a lot of research into ways of cutting crime in the area.

"Previously other forces had used these cut-outs and had some success in reducing theft.

"We went to our local partnership and asked for funding for three of the cardboard police officers."

Limitations

The cut-outs cost £100 each and look exactly like ordinary serving police officers.

But PC Frostick accepts that they have limitations: "They can't arrest anyone, they can't look after a small child, but they are being effective as a deterrent to crime. For example Tesco Express in the town centre say they've seen thefts fall by 50%."

Inspector Will Scarlet is also based in Harrogate and says the scheme is not about replacing real officers: "This is about trying to enhance the service we provide. They are a visible reassurance and a deterrent."

He admits it is hard to prove just how effective the cut-outs are in preventing crime but says the stores who have had them in their premises have seen the amount of theft reduced.

In the last few years more and more police forces across England and Wales have been using cardboard cut-outs to help deter criminals.