CARDBOARD cut-out police officers in Great Yarmouth stores have deterred potential criminals say police.Two 6ft 6ins tall “officers” have had stints in Wilkinson's, Palmers Department Store, Boots, Peacocks, Marks and Spencer and Debenhams.

CARDBOARD cut-out police officers in Great Yarmouth stores have deterred potential criminals say police.

Two 6ft 6ins tall “officers” have had stints in Wilkinson's, Palmers Department Store, Boots, Peacocks, Marks and Spencer and Debenhams.

PCSO Jason Osben, of South Yarmouth Safer Neighbourhood Team, helped to introduce the cardboard cops around the town.

He said: “Debenhams had a really good response. A lot of customers did double takes as they went in because the 'officer' had been positioned right in the door.”

The Co-op and BHS were this week their operational base and they will continue to act as a deterrent after Christmas.

Each shop keeps the cut-out free for between seven and 10 days, but if stores want a permanent PC on duty they would have to pay.

However, he added many women had asked if they could them home!

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