IT brings a whole new meaning to “shopping a criminal” and is a first for the county.

Today will mark a new era in policing – with a dedicated police station being opened in a supermarket in Southampton.

The new office has been specially built at the end of the first few aisles in Sainsbury’s, Lordshill.

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Initially manned by officers on three afternoons a week, the opening times could be extended if it proves popular with local people.

Police chiefs hope that the new “cop shop” will boost confidence in policing in the local communities of Lordshill and Coxford – giving an easy service to residents while they go about their shopping.

The station, called Coxford Community Police Office, is being opened today by Hampshire’s Chief Constable Alex Marshall, pictured, alongside Gordon Silvester, store manager at Sainsbury’s.

The station will be complete with an interview room and front counter area, and follows a £10.5m revamp of the store that took place last year.

Initially it will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 3pm to 5pm. Out of hours, members of the public will be able to leave messages for officers in the postbox situated on the wall outside the police office.

Chief Insp Jon Malley said: “This development, in partnership with Sainsbury’s, is an exciting opportunity for Hampshire Constabulary to increase its engagement and accessibility to the public, at a location in the very heart of the community we serve.”

Mr Silvester said: “Having the community support police office located in store places the police at the very heart of the community.”