Kate ScotterNorfolk police have teamed up with a supermarket to further roll back crime by dedicating a special sergeant to patrol the store.Kate Scotter

Norfolk police have teamed up with a supermarket to further roll back crime by dedicating a special sergeant to patrol the store.

Special sergeant Graham Gowland has been posted into ASDA supermarket, Drayton High Road, to support the work and regular patrols carried out by officers from the Hellesdon and Horsford Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT).

It is hoped the extra high visibility will help to deter potential thieves and anti-social behaviour and provide reassurance to shoppers.

Mr Gowland, who has been with Norfolk police for 10 years, said: 'Being dedicated to ASDA will further re-enforce the work of the Hellesdon and Horsford SNT and help to deter and prevent shoplifting and anti-social behaviour in the store and car park.'

Dave Lennox, general manager at the store, said: 'It is really good to work so closely with the police. In the past we did have limited contact and only involved the police in a reactive way to deal with any problems that occurred.

'We are now we are taking a full proactive approach, supporting the special sergeant in store, having regular contact with the local police and 10 members of staff have shown an interest to join the special constabulary to help police our store.'

Anyone who witnesses an act of shoplifting or criminal offence is encouraged to report it immediately by telling shop staff, security or phoning the police, in an emergency call 999 or non emergency call 0845 456 4567.