BEAT bobbies stepped out on patrol for the first time yesterday at the region's largest shopping centre.

Each mall at the MetroCentre, in Gateshead, now has a community beat manager. They are Gateshead West PCs Steve Oliver, Sonya Hudson, Lee Stevenson and Eileen Drummond.

The officers have spent four months getting to know businesses in the centre and PC Hudson said: "Since we became their police officers we feel we have become part of the community. People working at the centre will approach us with issues of concern and we are happy to help solve their problems and provide reassurance."

The beat managers are based at the MetroCentre police office, which is next to the bus station in the blue mall.

Ron Woodman, the shopping centre's general manager, said: "The extremely low number of incidences of crime and social disorder among MetroCentre's 25 million visitors each year makes the centre one of the safest places to shop."

He added: "It is encouraging to note that the community beat programme has got the total support of the 320 retailers and leisure managers who are funding the project."

Assistant Chief Constable Paul Leighton said: "They are a highly visible presence patrolling within the malls and car parks, which will help continue to reduce crime and disorder further and reduce the fear of crime."