THERE was research some time ago about how the rates of shoplifting fell when cardboard cut-outs of police officers were left nearby.

This was on the basis that even just seeing a cardboard copper reminded would-be thieves there was a chance they’d get nicked.

The cut-outs in the window at Christchurch police station are unlikely to have been so strategically placed for just such a reason.

More likely it’s just an idea of a joke.

However, there is a serious point to this.

The fact that Christchurch police station closes its doors for the last time to the public on Sunday has not gone down especially well in the town even though elected politicians insist there will always be a police presence. If the station itself closes (the site is under review for development), officers could be based at the civic offices or the fire station.

Sunday’s change makes financial sense. It remains to be seen if it has any impact on that key performance indicator, fear of crime.