A CARDBOARD policeman has been recruited to help to tackle a rise in sneak-in burglaries.

The life-size cut-out is not the desperate move of a cash-strapped force low on real bobbies.

Senior officers hope the six replicas of crime prevention officer PC Brian George will warn people that sneak thieves will be on the prowl during the summer.

The eye-catching figure will be on display at DIY stores and supermarkets to alert people to security devices.

PC George said: "So many burglaries happen while people are out in the garden or garage. A few simple precautions can make life much more difficult for the thieves."

Neighbourhood Watch will be selling security gadgets.