Britain’s smallest police station opens – and ‘ridiculous’ shed is immediately mocked by locals
BRITAIN’s smallest police station has opened — and copped a load of flak.
The 6ft by 8ft 4in shed has no room for cells and barely enough for a table and chairs.
It is not even as long as a Smart car but PCSOs will staff it every day.
Residents in Crawley, West Sussex, say the Tardis-like pod — on the outside at least — will fail to halt crime.
Enda Phillips, 68, said: “It’s too tiny to hold the amount of officers we need here. It’s crazy around here during the weekend evenings.”
One shopper said: “I’ve heard of cut-backs but this is ridiculous.”
Another added: “It’s going to get vandalised or turned upside down.”
Sussex Police won Government funding for the solar-powered pod, made from 1,312 recycled bottles.
The force hopes it will deter thugs in the town, which has been hit by knife crime.
Insp Steve Turner said: “Although it is only small it will allow us to have a very visible presence in the middle of the town centre which we have identified as a hotspot for violent crime and serious anti-social behaviour in the evenings.”
It comes after a spate of stabbings in recent months.
Five teens were arrested over the knife death of an 18-year-old man in February while two people have been charged with murdering lifeguard Harrison Tomkins, 25, in August.
Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, Katy Bourne, said: “Residents regularly tell me how much they value access to police support within their communities. We know that visible policing deters crime and having the new Crawley hub in place provides the opportunity to build better relationships and strengthen the public’s confidence in their local policing team.”