The Bill costumes bought by Scotland Yard

 

According to tabloid reports the costumes used in the ITV police drama The Bill have been bought by Scotland Yard to prevent criminals posing as police.

According to tabloid reports the costumes used in the ITV police drama The Bill have been bought by Scotland Yard to prevent criminals posing as police. The Mirror is reporting that Scotland Yard approached the shows producers following ITV’s announcement that it was cancelling the series. Scotland Yard were keen to prevent the police uniforms used in the series falling into the wrong hands; to stop criminals to posing as police as part of scams.

“When the announcement was made that The Bill was to cease production, the Metropolitan police service approached the production company with a view to acquiring all used and unused items of clothing and uniform. Used items have already been sent for secure recycling. Unused items will be put into stock for issue to officers.” – A spokesperson for Scotland Yard quoted in The Mirror

 

The Bill prided itself on the authenticity of its costumes, cars and using the very latest police procedures on-screen to give the show a realistic edge. ITV cancelled The Bill in March because of low ratings following a failed revamp to turn the drama into a gritty ‘CSI’ style series. Fans launched a campaign on Facebook hoping to save the series by getting another broadcaster interested in The Bill; however, the BBC, Channel Five and Channel Four all stated they would not acquire the series. The final episode of The Bill aired in August on ITV1 and was seen by 4.5 million viewers. At the end of the episode there was an on-screen dedication to past and current serving officers of the Metropolitan Police.