Police set up supermarket base

Police hope their presence will help reduce crime

A supermarket has become home to Birmingham's newest police centre.

On Wednesday, an officer from Sheldon moved into his new base in the Safeway store on the Coventry Road.

Although it will not be open to the public, the facility can be used to take statements or reports.

The aim is to introduce a highly visible police presence in the area while working closely with shops and businesses.

'Safer environment'

A single officer will man the premises on a regular basis, and will be using it as a base to patrol the Coventry Road and surrounding areas.

"We are extremely pleased to have the support of local people and Safeway who have kindly assisted in establishing this new base,", said Sergeant Pete Jones.

The officer's beat covers a large area of Sheldon, which incorporates the A45 Coventry Road.

"The introduction of the base is part of a reassuring, highly-visible police presence for the public in a very busy area," he said.

Richard Kennea, store manager at Safeway, said the company was committed to working with police to give customers "a safer environment"