Police in Peterborough prepared for any rise in retail crime at Queensgate Shopping Centre
Queensgate bosses say new stores will turn the centre into a "leading retail and leisure destination".
Police in Peterborough say funding has already been set aside to crackdown on retail crime in Peterborough city centre and help prevent any potential increase in shoplifting.
Last week, Queensgate Shopping Centre bosses said Frasers Group opening a new flagship concept store and accompanying Sports Direct would turn the space into "a leading retail and leisure destination."
The new stores, opening in 2025, will span a combined 92,500 square feet - which is bigger than the average football pitch.
After recent research showed retail crime is already on the rise across the country, police in Peterborough said changes have been made to limit any opportunity for shoplifting the new stores could bring.
Inspector Sam Tucker, from the Peterborough Neighbourhood Policing Team, said:
'At the beginning of the year a bespoke police officer was fully funded by the BID (Business Improvement District) process that has been put into the city centre, in addition to what we already have.'
'That's something that is growth on what we've previously had and in recognition of the scale of this issue.'
'It reflects the want of us and our partners to improve the environment within the city centre, and to address the issues facing that community.'