A MEN'S magazine last night claimed responsibility for the theft of a scarecrow dressed as a policewoman that had put the brakes on speeding motorists.

"Nancy" was created for the carnival in Middleton-in Teesdale but fooled some drivers into thinking she was a real speedcop, so they slowed down.

The scarecrow was stolen from outside resident Stella Anderson's house on Thursday afternoon.

Yesterday, Loaded magazine, based in London, confessed that its staff had snatched Nancy.

They drove her 300 miles to the Capital for a sight-seeing tour and took her to a celebrity party, but are now pledging to return her.

Loaded editor Martin Daubney said: "We enjoyed Nancy's company but it's time for her to go home."