LIFESIZE cardboard cut-outs of West Craven’s neighbourhood bobby are being put up around the area as part of a crackdown on retail theft.

The cut-outs of community beat manager PC Mark Hyde will be placed in shops and other venues in Barnoldswick and Earby.

Funded by the Co-op and the Lancashire Partnership Against Crime, they are part of a larger project initiated by PC Matt Lunney, which will include training of shop staff in what powers they have to detain and deal with suspected shoplifters.

PC Lunney said: “Of course, in no way do they replace real police officers.

“They are a deterrent to local and travelling criminals that all reports of theft will be fully investigated.”

The real PC Hyde is pictured at the back.