HELLO, hello…people spotting a police officer in the Taunton East area could be forgiven for thinking they are seeing double.

They are being given the chance to get up close and personal with police officers on the beat in their area of the county town – at the double.

Life-size cardboard cut outs of members of the Safer Stronger Neighbourhood policing team have been springing up at various locations all across the patch.

The idea behind the cardboard scheme is to allow members of the public to familiarise themselves with the officers who work in their community.

It is hoped that as a result people will then feel more relaxed about approaching the officers.

Sgt Andy Murphy said: “This initiative is another opportunity to let people know that their local officers are approachable and able to help.

“It is a case of recognition - if people in our neighbourhoods know the name and face of their beat manager, it makes them more familiar and therefore approachable.”

The cardboard beat managers are being placed at various locations across the district, including supermarkets, schools, doctors’ surgeries and other public areas.