Mobile police office at Harvey Road petrol station

A petrol station has set up a mobile police office on its forecourt to combat anti-social behaviour.

Staff at the Total garage in Harvey Road, Allenton, said they often witnessed youths hanging around the petrol station, drinking alcohol and creating nuisance.

After regular contact with police about the anti-social behaviour, managers at Total came up with the idea of having a permanent police presence at the site.

The small white cabin has now been set up on the station forecourt and it is already proving to be popular both with Total staff and residents living nearby.

Tracey Robinson, manager of the petrol station, said: "There were a lot of people drinking and swearing on the street near the petrol station and it was causing a lot of trouble.

"We have always got on well with the police and the area manager thought it would be a good idea to show the partnership.

"It has definitely helped having a police presence on site.

"It has stopped people driving off without paying for petrol and youths from hanging around."

The mobile police office is used by officers, including PC Paul Trussell.

He said: "The police and the petrol station working together shows a good partnership and it links us with the community.

"Since it's been here, we've had members of the public coming in and asking about it.

"They're interested in why we are there and what it is we're doing.

"Local residents are becoming aware of its presence."

He added: "It reassures residents of Alvaston and Allenton, knowing that a police officer or PCSO is here.

"People know where they can find us and it makes us more approachable."

The mobile office is used by police and police community support officers when they are between patrols.

It gives them a place to complete paperwork after returning from the beat, instead of going back to Cotton Lane police station.

Monthly drop-in police surgeries are also being held at the mobile building.

PC Trussell said he believed that the police office was a less intimidating environment for the public, he said: "Sometimes people can feel a bit scared going to the police station to give a statement, but it is less frightening here.

"For the people in our area, it is a shorter distance to walk than if someone was to go to Cotton Lane.

"It is in a prime spot, central to all locations in the area such as Allenton, Alvaston, Boulton and Keldholme, and it is also easily accessible.

"We have had a good response so far from the public."

The mobile police station is funded by Total.

The next drop-in surgery will be on Wednesday, February 17, 4 -6pm.