A police force in England has deployed cardboard cut-outs of officers to deter car crime and speeding drivers, according to reports. But locals called the move a 'lazy gimmick' and a 'joke'.
West Mercia Police will position two lifesize figures of police officers, known as Bob, in Shropshire with high-vis clothing and holding a handheld speed camera.
The concept is already in place in Scotland and is being implemented first time in England.
Sergeant Damien Kelly, who is managing the trial, said that they are motivated by the idea in Scotland.
“We hope that the use of Bob, as well as our regular speed enforcement activity, will encourage drivers travelling in South Shropshire to change their behaviour and drive at a lower, safer speed," Kelly was quoted as saying by The Telegraph.
“This will help to improve the quality of life for people living in the area and improve the safety of the road for all those who use them.”
Reports said that the cut-outs will cost between £150 and £223 each.
John O’Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, is not a big fan of this idea. “These cardboard coppers are hard to justify. Speeding is a serious issue, but taxpayers expect forces to spend their cash on catching criminals and putting bobbies on the beat," he told The Telegraph.
“Constables must slam the breaks on wasteful spending and focus resources on frontline service.”
However, the force claims that the cut-outs will make drivers check their speed and correct bad motoring behaviours.
The first of the two cut-outs was launched last week in Munslow, Shrops.
"This is just a lazy gimmick as a way to cut policing costs to avoid having bobbies out there on the streets," said resident Brian Buttleworth, from Bridgnorth, Shrops.
"They should be investing in recruiting real police officers - not cut-out versions. I think it's a joke," added Jill Chambers, of Craven Arms, Shrops.
"Anything that can help reduce speeding on our roads is a good idea and this is a cheap and effective deterrent," said Neil Carr.
Moglai Bap and Mo Chara of Kneecap perform at Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset, Britain, June 28, 2025. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
Police may probe anti-Israel comments at Glastonbury
BRITISH police said they were considering whether to launch an investigation after performers at Glastonbury Festival made anti-Israel comments during their shows.
"We are aware of the comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival this afternoon," Avon and Somerset Police, in western England, said on X late on Saturday (28).
Irish hip-hop group Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan made anti-Israeli chants in separate shows on the West Holts stage on Saturday. One of the members of Bob Vylan chanted "Death, death, to the IDF" in a reference to the Israel Defense Forces.
"Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation," the police statement said.
The Israeli Embassy in Britain said it was "deeply disturbed by the inflammatory and hateful rhetoric expressed on stage at the Glastonbury Festival".
Prime minister Keir Starmer said earlier this month it was "not appropriate" for Kneecap to appear at Glastonbury.
The band's frontman Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged with a terrorism offence last month for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah at a concert in November. He has denied the charge.
A British government minister said it was appalling that the anti-Israel chants had been made at Glastonbury, and that the festival's organisers and the BBC broadcaster - which is showing the event - had questions to answer.
Health secretary Wes Streeting said he was also appalled by violence committed by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.
"I'd also say to the Israeli Embassy, get your own house in order in terms of the conduct of your own citizens and the settlers in the West Bank," Streeting told Sky News.
"I wish they'd take the violence of their own citizens towards Palestinians more seriously," he said.
(Reuters)