Police scarecrow arrested
(Ananova)
A joke scarecrow dressed as a policeman with a fake speed radar gun was arrested by a real officer.
The 7ft tall scarecrow was put on the roadside to promote a village scarecrow festival while also encouraging motorists to slow down, reports the Daily Telegraph.
However, a passing policewoman thought it "inappropriate" and took it away in her patrol car within four hours of it being put up in Brancaster, Norfolk.
The scarecrow was reported stolen by festival organiser Miranda Skillings, 56, who had got permission from police to put up the fake traffic officer.
After three hours Norfolk Police located the scarecrow and an officer was sent to replace it - without the fake speed gun.
Mrs Skillings said: "We always put up a couple of scarecrows early to encourage people to take part and this year we decided to make a policeman with a speed gun.
"I thought it would have the added benefit of slowing down motorists who come speeding through the village."
Insp Dave Buckley said: "We gave permission for the organisers to create a scarecrow of a police officer - but the owner of the scarecrow used a plastic drinks bottle to symbolise a speed radar gun.
"As a result an officer removed the scarecrow as it portrayed an incorrect and inappropriate message to passing motorists.
"Speed radars are used to prevent casualties on our roads and to address the irresponsible actions of motorists. They should not be re-created by the roadside in jest."
