Peterborough BID funds extra police officer for city centre

PC Jay Cullimore has been appointed as the extra police officer for Peterborough city centre

An extra police officer has been appointed to support Peterborough city centre, funded by local businesses.

Peterborough's Business Improvement District (BID), made up of 400 businesses and organisations, has paid for the officer until 31 March 2025.

Insp Sam Tucker said PC Jay Cullimore would help with crime prevention and targeting repeat offenders.

Independent retailer Paul Morarji, from Niro Fashion, said: "The officer's presence will have a positive impact."

Peterborough's BID has paid for the officer until 31 March 2025

Mr Morarji, who runs the shop on Cumbergate, said any police presence around the city centre would "help boost confidence and safety" for shoppers and traders, but fears he could be "stretched over petty crime".

"It would be nice to have more than one officer but who is going to pay for that?" he said.

"This officer can be the eyes of the police force and council and help report issues proactively. He will help deter drug dealers and other anti-social elements.

"But what we don't want is him being inundated with shoplifting concerns from Queensgate. This could take him away from dealing with other areas and issues."

The Queensgate Shopping Centre is part of Peterborough's Business Improvement District

John Bird, who runs EJ Greeting Cards in Rivergate, said he was "unsure" if one more officer would make much of a difference to the area.

"I feel police needs to get better at enforcing laws," he said. "There's no point having more officers when people are not being held accountable.

"If you stop people from committing the smaller crimes, they will think before committing the big ones."

Insp Tucker said there was already a dedicated city centre policing team, but PC Cullimore would help support local businesses.