The shocking moment a family’s entry for a village scarecrow competition was stolen outside their home in broad daylight has been caught on camera.

Eastern Daily Press: Watching the village! Picture: Lucy BryantWatching the village! Picture: Lucy Bryant (Image: Archant)

The Bryant family’s ‘PC Crow’ was taken from in front of their house in Terrington Close, Emneth and shoved in the back of a small white car.

Lucy Bryant says her children, aged three and five, are “very upset” after their entry was kidnapped – luckily the entire operation was caught on CCTV.

Taking to social media, Ms Bryant released the footage and asked for help identifying the “nasty vile person” who stole their faux police officer.

Eastern Daily Press: One of Lucy Bryant's children with PC Crow. Picture: Lucy BryantOne of Lucy Bryant's children with PC Crow. Picture: Lucy Bryant (Image: Archant)

She said: “At around 7.30pm on Tuesday, August 4, I had a knock at the door from a neighbour informing us that someone had just taken out scarecrow.

“When my partner got home from work around 8, he checked CCTV which confirmed it had just been stolen by a bloke in a white van.

“I instantly shared it to Facebook and started getting so many people write to me with sightings of the van.”

Eastern Daily Press: PC Crow is thrown into the back of the Vauxhall Corsa. Picture: Lucy BryantPC Crow is thrown into the back of the Vauxhall Corsa. Picture: Lucy Bryant (Image: Archant)

Becoming increasingly worried about what someone could do with a realistic police costume, complete with all the accessories, Ms Bryant called the police.

She added: “We had reported it to 101 as we didn’t want the costume in the wrong hands and anyone try impersonating a police man.

“My partner went out looking to see if he could find the van, which eventually he did and the police then came.

Eastern Daily Press: Caught on camera! PC Crow being picked up. Picture: Lucy BryantCaught on camera! PC Crow being picked up. Picture: Lucy Bryant (Image: Archant)

“The driver apparently tried to make out he had found the scarecrow, but we obviously had the proof that he took it in a daylight robbery!

“His car was reportedly seized for no insurance! So, at the end of the day the fake scarecrow helped get him off the road.”

Although the family have, unfortunately, lost PC Crow for good, they are still keeping up the spirits of their fellow villagers also taking part in the contest.

Eastern Daily Press: In prime position, PC Crow outside the Bryant family home. Picture: Lucy BryantIn prime position, PC Crow outside the Bryant family home. Picture: Lucy Bryant (Image: Archant)

Ms Bryant added: “Unfortunately, PC Crow was beyond repair so he will not be returning. Good luck with the competition everyone, your scarecrows are all fabulous.

“The thief was caught red handed and at the end of the day, every cloud has a silver lining as PC Crow highly assisted Cambs police. RIP PC Crow, you died a hero.”