A police constable plods purposefully towards the camera on Dundas Street. So far so reassuring. But then the doubts set in.
Why has he drawn his truncheon? Why is he wearing an English helmet. What's with the odd-looking collar and tie?
This, of course, is not a real Bobby but the briefly disconcerting creation of street artist REMOTE, pasted without permission on one wall of No. 28a. The spot is in the heart of what, in a previous paste-and-paper work, the artist claimed is a 'REMOTE controlled area'.
Accounts differ as to the date of his appearance, but his disappearance occurred since this photo was taken on 19 September. The suspicion is that he has been nicked.
Strategically sited bogus policemen – life-sized silhouettes, photographs and cut-outs – have proven successful around the world as a way of reducing vehicle speeds in built-up areas and accident black-spots. Perhaps REMOTE's figure would have reduced tagging on Dundas Street if only he had been allowed to remain.