Villagers have vented their frustration at an increase in speeding since their police mannequin was stolen.
Kilmelford residents issued an appeal for information about the disappearance of the deterrent, who is known locally as Boaby, from the side of the busy Argyll road.
The pretend policeman is normally situated at various locations in the village.
The A816 Oban to Lochgilphead road runs through Kilmelford, which is about halfway between the two towns.
His presence encouraged motorists to slow down and stick to the 30mph speed limit.
But since he disappeared around a month ago, locals say the speed of vehicles has been gradually increasing.
Police have promised to increase patrols in his absence.
In a public online appeal, Roanna Clark, vice-convenor of the community council, wrote: “Has anyone seen or know the whereabouts of our Boaby? Stolen sometime through the night from Kilmelford on Wednesday 19th February. We really miss him and want him back on duty.
“If anyone has any information, please contact the Oban police or one of the community council members.”
It’s not the first time this has happened…
This is the second time a police mannequin has gone missing from the village.
The latest model was put up in December 2020 after the first one was removed and dumped in a lay-by.
A sturdier replacement which could be taken indoors at night was created by Maggie Reyner of local farm Kames.
But now the new “Boaby” has been missing for a month.
Roanna Clark said: “He played an important role in our village.
“We have many families with small children. People walk their dogs along the main road to get to safer spaces and wheelchair users regularly use the pavement.
“We have noticed a significant increase in the speed of traffic since he was stolen. It’s a major problem for residents.
“This one was a considerable cost to our village and we don’t have the funds to keep replacing it. He was chained and bolted down so considerable force was used.
“Please, if anyone knows of his whereabouts, please let us know or even return him.”
The community council’s convenor, David Wilkie, added: “The last time it was probably youngsters.
“But this time we don’t know if it’s people with a grudge against Kilmelford, against the police, or just someone having a laugh. That is the frustrating thing.
“Recently two vans have gone by at high speed and I have taken their numbers and reported them to their head offices.
“On one occasion they got back to me, told me the van had a tracker, they knew who was driving, and he was reprimanded.”
Police are on the case
Police sergeant Christopher Edwards said: “Inquiries were carried out, but with no result. Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting crime reference LB01360222.
“Whilst we have not seen a notable increase in speeding incidents since the mannequin was stolen, we will be increasing our patrols in the area, as part of our efforts to reassure the local community.”
Last year, an old shop mannequin which found a new life as a “police officer” was kidnapped from an Aberdeenshire village and safely returned within 24 hours.
Bob the bobby had been rescued from Debenhams by councillor Geva Blackett, who asked the department store to send its old dummies to her after the news it would be shutting down.
