Police will be able to drop into Co-operative stores across Derbyshire for a free cuppa as part of a scheme to help them spend more time out on the beat.
Police officers and police community support officers will be invited to stop by at Co-operative Group and Midlands Co-op food stores across Derbyshire for a welcome hot drink and a chance to mingle with shoppers and staff.
The project, which supports the Home Office’s Neighbourhood Policing Strategy, will provide a meeting place at the heart of communities where residents can have an informal chat with their local police officers and pick up information, support and advice along with their food shopping.
The Co-operative Group’s regional loss prevention manager Jenny Alleyne said: "We work closely with police forces across the country to help tackle problems of crime and anti-social behaviour in the communities we serve and initiatives like this are very important.
"Our partnership with Derbyshire Constabulary aims to foster and strengthen relationships between local businesses, the community and the police; and in the process we hope it will be a deterrent to local criminals."
Chief Superintendent Garry Sherwood added: "I am delighted the force is entering into this innovative partnership with The Co-operative, which will help to ensure our officers are even more accessible to the community and can respond quickly in the event of an incident.
"Commercial partnerships such as this can help tackle crime and anti-social behaviour while reassuring the public that their local police officers are highly visible and approachable.
"I hope local shoppers and residents will use the opportunity to talk to officers in their local Co-operative store about any issues of interest or concern."
