POLICE in Rossendale have bought five cardboard police officers thanks to a donation from a local business.

The life size cut-outs are designed to make criminals think twice before comm-itting an offence.

They will be positioned in businesses and shops across the valley.

The move follows the successful use of similar cardboard police elsewhere in the country, including Wales, Derbyshire and Humberside.

Officers say their use has led to a drop in offences such as shoplifting and none payment for petrol.

Holmefield garage in Rawtenstall will be the first site to host a cardboard copper.

Cut-outs will also be placed in Winfield’s at Haslingden and at vulnerable premises, such as jeweller’s and betting shops.

Pc Phil Buck said: “The cut-outs are an additional resource that do not affect everyday policing and have been funded by donations from local businesses.

“The presence of the officers causes people to look twice and serves as a gentle reminder that the shops and businesses where they are deployed are working hard with the police to reduce crime and deter criminals from visiting”.

Chairman of the Lanca-shire Police Federation, John O’Reilly, said: “It is hoped the cut outs will discourage bad behaviour.

“The scheme is similar to the cut-outs of police cars on the motorways which reminded people to slow down.

“It would be ideal to have real police officers but resources do not allow that at this moment in time”