However the public alert for the unusual looking suspects was withdrawn yesterday when Hampshire Constabulary admitted it was experiencing “technical problems” with its e-fit software.
The police force came under fire for releasing “absolutely ridiculous” e-fits after a burglary suspect looked like he was wearing a lettuce on his head.
Officers said a technical problem caused the unusual hair colour and admitted it was not the “best quality”.However it appeared that the problem was more widespread after a series of images emerged with suspects sporting disastrous hairstyles and looking like computer characters from the 1990s.
A suspected robber, in his late teens, sported a fringe which looked like a barcode. Another alleged criminal appeared to have red eyes.
Hampshire Police issued the original e-fit, of the man with the lettuce-shaped hair, to try to trace a distraction burglar who stole £60 from an elderly woman in Stockbridge.Although the offender was described by his vctim as having wavy blonde/greying hair and being about 40 the image showed him with green hair and was described as “ludicrous” by residents.
A Hampshire police spokeswoman said: “We make every effort to ensure that the e-fits we circulate are as accurate and detailed as they possibly can be from the description provided by the witness.
“This is borne out by the quality and detail contained within the facial features.
“We are, though, currently experiencing technical problems with the quality of the hair and are waiting for an upgrade to the system from the company who provides us with the software.”
She went on: “We have a duty to do all we can to identify those involved in crime, prevent further occurrences and protect the public and while the hair on this image may not be of the best quality, it takes nothing from the overall clarity of the facial features.
“It would therefore be wrong to withhold the release of the e-fit just based on this technical issue.
“We would never release an e-fit a victim disagreed or was unhappy with and in this instance the victim fully supported the publication of this image.”
Detective Constable Danielle Robinson said: “I would like to hear from anyone who has information about this incident or who recognises the man in the e-fit image as he may be able to help with our inquiries.”
A local resident said: “It seems like the force has some gremlins in its system, but anyone could’ve looked at the images and seen how stupid they look.
“How people are expected to identify these suspects when their e-fits look like pictures my three year old son drew with a crayon is beyond me.
“It seems like it’s been going on for a while and Hampshire Constabulary need to sort it out.”
