The Trafford Centre near Manchester will have its own police station in a move to increase security at the shopping complex.
The partnership with Greater Manchester Police will see the mall manned by a full-time team of one inspector, one sergeant and six constables from January 2024.
The initiative will be fully funded by the Trafford Centre for the next three years.
It is hoped the police force will act as a deterrent for shoplifters, fraudsters and car thieves, who operate in the centre’s car parks.
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Trafford Centre director Simon Layton said: “The introduction of a full onsite police team reflects our commitment to providing a secure and welcoming environment for our visitors and retailers, whilst strengthening our ongoing relationship with Greater Manchester Police.”
Inspector Paul Ellis, who will lead the new team, added: “This is a unique collaboration with one of the most iconic venues in Greater Manchester and reinforces our commitment on continuing to keep the public safe by providing a dedicated high-visibility resource.”
This is not the first time a police station has been set up at a large shopping centre.
The Metropolitan Police has a similar operation at the Westfield Shopping Centre in Stratford, London, and South Yorkshire Police have station in Sheffield’s Meadowhall Conference.
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