A HOTEL and a supermarket are the first in the region to land an award for the security of their car parks.
The Park Head Hotel, in New Coundon, and the Asda store in Bishop Auckland, have been given the awards under the Secured Car Parks scheme.
The initiative by the Association of Chief Police Officers is supported by the Home Office and administered by the British Parking Association.
Durham police inspected both car parks before the awards were presented.
Wear and Tees Community Safety Partnership praised both businesses for their efforts in combating car crime.
Mike Whitfield, regional development manager for the scheme, said: "The car park security at Asda is of a high standard and those who use the car park can do so with confidence. I look forward to other supermarkets, particularly in Bishop Auckland, making similar efforts.
"When you are staying at a hotel either for business or pleasure, the last thing you want is to have to worry about whether your vehicle will be safe, particularly overnight."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article