A scoundrel has shoplifted a cardboard cut-out of a officer of the law which was placed in a market to deter theft.

The man-size photo of beat cop  Bob Molloy was stolen from a store in the UK’s Long Eaton.

Officials claimed a man had been seen on closed circuit television strolling with the image beneath his arm.

The man, between 35 and 40 years old, purchased his groceries  at the market before taking off with the flat officer.

The law enforcement community is working to find the missing cut-out officer, which was taken from the Grasmere Road market.

Police spokesperson said they are really dissappointed because the program is a positive one, and they were happy with its success.

Officials haven’t released the CCTV footage because it is still being reviewed.

The cut out images of cops were introduced in 2005 in hopes that they would make thieves think twice.

Records show that crime rate is dropping and the authorities believe the program is working.