The collectable bear isn’t due to be released until later in the year, but the Bendigo police station is already fielding enquiries from keen collectors.

Bendigo station administration officer and Blue Ribbon committee member Sandy Gaffee said she would let the public know, via the Bendigo Advertiser, as soon as the much-awaited bears arrived.

“I’ve had people ringing saying, ‘When are the bear’s coming?’” she said. “We’re not sure when they’re coming yet but it will be in a few months.

“But I just wanted to remind people that we’ve got plenty of the previous bears and we’ve got a lot of stock here of other Blue Ribbon merchandise.”

Mrs Gaffee said the cute Constable T.Bear teddies were always popular.

“We would sell a couple of hundred easily,” she said. “All the money goes back to the hospitals so it’s a good cause, they’re cute and they make great presents.”

Mrs Gaffee said the very first bear came out about 10 years ago.

“The last time I saw it on eBay it was worth about three grand,” she said.

The police station also has collectable BUFF dogs, drink bottles, wrist bands and other merchandise for sale.