FOLLOWING its success in the run-up to last Christmas, Stourbridge police have for a second year running set up a cop shop in the town’s Ryemarket centre.

Throughout December, Stourbridge officers will be making use of a vacant shop in the shopping mall where they will be offering crime prevention advice and tips on how to stay safe during the festive season.

The cop shop, which aims to bring policing to the heart of the town, is located opposite Costa Coffee and next to Bright House and is open daily from 10am to 4pm (excluding Sundays and Bank Holidays).

Sergeant Andy Pugh, based at Stourbridge Police Station, said: "This has proved to be a successful way of engaging with the local community and businesses within Stourbridge.

"The cop shop will be run by officers and police community support officers to talk to the community and offer crime prevention tips to locals.

"We will be reminding people to keep their handbags close to them, as we do see a rise in pick-pockets at this time of year and will also be offering a property marking service, where we will be happy to securely property mark your new Christmas goods."

Tips and advice will also be provided on how to stay vigilant while out Christmas shopping and how to keep homes and vehicles safe during the festivities.

Ryemarket centre manager Kelley Dyas said: "It’s fantastic to see the cop shop back for a second year following the success of last year’s venture."