Trafford Centre to get own police station

One of the UK's major shopping centres is to have its own police station with officers stationed there.

The Trafford Centre near Manchester will also pay for an inspector, sergeant and six constables to be based in the 118,000-sq-m (30-acre) complex.

The centre said the funding would be for the next three years and would enhance security and "create a safer shopping experience for visitors".

The full-time team is set to report for duty in January.

Simon Layton, Trafford Centre director, 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."

Insp 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."

It is hoped the force will be a deterrent to shoplifters, fraudsters and car thieves, who operate in the centre's car parks, as well as being able to provide an immediate response if needed.

Earlier this year, the centre was hit with a spate of car thefts.

The Metropolitan Police has a similar operation, , with a team of officers embedded in the Westfield Centre in Stratford, London.

South Yorkshire Police also has a station in Sheffield's Meadowhall Conference.

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