The Government is stepping in to investigate the sale of old police uniforms after the Eastern Daily Press showed the ease with which they could be bought “off the peg”.

Full uniforms, including caps, helmets and tunics, can be legally bought from surplus stores for less than £50.

Other stores stock fluorescent traffic jackets and authentic badges from a range of forces – making it easy for would-be criminals to con the public.

Home Office minister Charles Clarke has agreed to investigate after the findings were put to him.

Mr Clarke, MP for Norwich South, promised to find out what could be done to prevent anyone with a uniform from impersonating an officer.

He said: “I share the concerns about any potential abuse of police uniform for a criminal purpose.

“I welcome the EDP’s efforts to draw this to the attention of retailers and I will discuss this with the police.”

Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire police also voiced their fears about the loophole that allows the sale of uniforms and equipment.

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