STAFF at a doll shop were stunned after a thief smashed a window...and grabbed a miniature model policeman.

A youth broke into the Maidstone Doll House Shop in the county town in the early hours of Sunday but he spurned some valuable collectors' pieces in favour of the model of Mr Plod.

The tiny toy is based on a character from the popular Noddy stories. Jan Cossins, who makes models for the shop in Upper Stone Street, said: "We cleared up the glass from the broken window and then realised that the only thing missing was little Mr Plod.

"It was a full window display with hundreds of pounds worth of stuff. There were some quite valuable bits and pieces."

She added: "We have been giggling about it ever since."

An 18-year-old youth has been cautioned by police in connection with the incident.