Posted on 07/08/2009 3:25:08 AM PDT by Daffynition
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."
As if anyone needed any more evidence that England is a lost cause.
There. Fixed it. Truth in Advertising!
Brits are just barmy
There is a reason we started our own country
They use pensioners to help with the radar ... so I don't understand the problem.
Check out this site and see if you are still of the same opinion.
Ancesthntr introduced me to this site last nite and I spent a full half-hour or more amazed. England is far from a lost cause, my FRiend; and while I can't properly condone their methods their enthusiasm for practical protest is certainly notable.
“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.”
That in itself is the jest. Probably afraid the scarecrow would qualify for pension and medical.
I do know one town in north GA that parks a fully restored Mayberry-style patrol car complete with dummy on the main road on summer weekends.
The one I mentioned is in the Ellijay area. And the restored police car it great. Single cherry on top and Mayberry seal on the side.
“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.”
How stupid is this going to get?
Coming soon to your local constable office. [Don’t tell me it won’t!] LOL
gee here in the US we only use 1 person to hold a speed trap party.
> The Coates, said to be in their 70s, are the latest weapons unveiled by North Wales Chief Constable Brunstrom – dubbed the Traffic Taliban for his love of speed cameras.
(sigh) Just what every community needs, ay. Some locally underemployed busybodies to supergrass on everybody in the neighborhood for speeding. It used to be a shameful thing to dob in your neighbor or your mate: these two relics seem to think it’s jolly good fun. (rolls eyes)
Let’s not even mention eyesight and slow reflexes ... we’ve gone daffy.
Speed radars are used to prevent casualties on our roads and to address the irresponsible actions of motorists
Yeah rightttt.........
Speed guns are used by the Government to generate revenue.If you believe otherwise you are just fooling yourself....
They need to arrest all those folks for driving on the wrong side of the road.
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