Police have splashed the cash in a bid to stop imposters masquerading as coppers featured in former Merton-based drama ‘The Bill’.

Nearly 400kg of police uniforms were bought by the Metropolitan Police, after fears people could use them to impersonate police officers, which is a criminal offence.

The gritty police series was recorded in Colliers Wood and Morden for 24 years until filming stopped in June, with the last episode shown in August.

Scotland Yard gave programme makers permission gave to dress its actors in real uniforms and stab-proof vests bearing the force's crest.

A Met Police spokesman said: “When the announcement was made that The Bill was to cease production, the Metropolitan Police approached the production company with a view to acquiring all used and unused items of clothing and uniform.

"The purpose of this approach was to ensure that Metropolitan Police uniforms did not enter the public domain and give rise to the potential use by unauthorised persons in the commission of criminal activities.”

Among the items bought by the Met are 29 body armour covers, 28 high visibility jackets, four inspector flat caps and 22 constable bowler hats.