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Safer parking award for MetroCentre

Northumbria Police

9 December 2008


MetroCentre has been awarded a top parking award by Northumbria Police's Chief Constable Mike Craik.
Europe's largest shopping centre has been awarded five Park Mark certificates for each of its car parks amounting to nearly 10,000 free car parking spaces.
The Northumbria Police award is given to car parks which have achieved the standards of the Safer Parking Scheme, aimed at reducing crime and the fear of crime in car parks.
It illustrates the commitment of MetroCentre to its customers to deter criminal activity and create a safer environment for vehicles to be parked.
Chief Constable Mike Craik said: "I am delighted to be presenting this award to MetroCentre.
"These low figures are a testament to the excellent working relationships we have at MetroCentre between ourselves, Capital Shopping Centres and Europa, the centre's contract security company.
"Together we are continually building on initiatives at the centre to make it a safe and reassuring place to visit for both local people and the many visitors from outside the region and the country."
Terry Atkinson, Services Manager (Security) said: "MetroCentre is one of the safest places in Britain to shop with car park crime at an all time low.
"Car parking crime has reduced by 95% over the last six years and this figure is from a very low crime base. Around eight million cars park at the centre every year and the risk of crime is minimal.
"New initiatives which have secured the Park Mark awards have included additional CCTV, proactive patrolling, increased lighting, plain clothes observers and working much more closely with Northumbria Police.
"We are delighted to have received this status for our car parks and that our hard work and effective crime network has been recognised."
For further information please contact Nicola Redhead, Assistant Marketing Manager on 0191 493 0222; fax 0191 493 2756 or email: nicola-redhead@capshop.co.uk. Alternatively contact Denise McClintock, Marketing Co-ordinator on 0191 493 0224.