The neighbourhood policing unit opened in the Castle Dene Shopping Centre, in Peterlee, earlier this week as part of a country-wide campaign aimed at lifting community policing to a new level.

Crime prevention officers have been giving out practical advice on how to keep thieves at bay, as well as discussing local problems or concerns.

Inspector Paul Harrison, of Peterlee Police, said: "It has been a big success and we have had lots of interest from the public in the shopping centre.

"The feedback from everybody has been fantastic."

The shop featured an indoor garden display, complete with a shed, which was used to show people how to protect their property.

The shop, which was located in the former Clobber store, was backed by Kenmore Capital, the Peterlee town centre development company and Easington Community Safety Partnership.

It formed part of a Durham Constabulary campaign that will see individually tailored cards, offering the names of officers in neighbourhood policing teams, handed to more than quarter of a million households across County Durham and Darlington.

Assistant Chief Constable Michael Banks said: "We are constantly looking at ways to improve and build on the positive results achieved by many people over many years.

"We want to make it as easy as possible for people to know exactly who their local officers are and to provide the clearest point of contact whenever they may require a service from the police."