The Bill uniforms bought up by the Metropolitan Police

The 24-year run of the The Bill came to an end in August

Uniforms used on ITV's The Bill have been bought by the Metropolitan Police (Met) to stop them falling into the hands of criminals.

A spokesman for the London force said it bought the 400kg of clothing as it feared people could use them to pose as officers.

He would not say how much it is costing the Met but unused items will be re-issued to officers.

The 24-year run of the The Bill came to an end in August.

The show had permission from Scotland Yard to dress its actors in real uniforms and stab-proof vests bearing the force's crest.

The 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."

As well as various types of shirts, trousers and pullovers, the items bought include 29 body armour covers, 28 high visibility jackets, four inspector Flat Caps and 22 constable bowler hats.