Britain's Daily Express said the 10 life-size replicas of Derbyshire Police officer Bob Molloy were such a hit that the central English force might print off some more.

Inspector Tracy Harrison said: "They have been extremely effective. One was stolen but we searched a house with a warrant and found it with other stolen goods."

The cardboard copper is pictured in his trademark British policeman's hat, a reflective yellow jacket with his arms folded.

The 100-pound (148-euro, 175-dollar) replicas can look like the real thing from afar and have been used at fuel stations in Derbyshire to deter thieves from speeding off without paying.

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