Ex-Gurkhas guarding Ikea car park

In just three weeks the Gurkhas have wiped out crime

Shoppers at a city furniture store were kept in line over the Easter holiday - by a team of former Gurkhas.

The men were hired to work at Ikea in Nottingham in response to a spate of thefts and high rates of car crime.

The Swedish retail giant used the former Nepalese soldiers to patrol the site in the city's Giltbrook area.

After retiring from active duty they were taken on by Octavian Security Ltd, based in Nottingham, which specialises in tough security.

There has been no reported crime since the team of five - who trained and served with the British Army - began their stint over three weeks ago.

Security Officer Lal Bahadur Gurung, 44, a former soldier with the 10th Gurkha Rifles, based at Aldershot, said his Army experience had come in handy at Ikea.

"My experience of peacekeeping duties certainly helps," he said.

"My training as a Gurkha helps with the job, but as with everything you have to adapt. On the whole, it's quite peaceful."

The security staff are also a hit with shoppers.

Jill Bradley, of Belper, Derbyshire, said: "It's so reassuring to know the area is being patrolled so well by such committed, helpful people."