Police in Aberdeen have teamed up with post offices across the city to ensure residents can speak to their local bobby.
The Adopt a Post Office scheme will involve police officers running surgeries from their local branches, with the aim of making themselves more accessible – particularly to older people.
The scheme is the first of its kind in Scotland, and will give regular users of the post office, such as pensioners a chance to discuss any problems, concerns and issues.
There are plans for post offices in Garthdee, George Street, Torry, Tillydrone, Northfield, Seaton, Castlegate, Dyce, Cults, Braehead, Holburn Street and Mastrick to run the initiative for at least six moths, with a renewal after the first three.
Chief Inspector Kevin Wallace said: “Adopt a Post Office, in general terms, pairs a local community policing team with a Post Office branch, with the intention of creating positive links at a community level, benefiting both organisations, but more importantly the members of our communities.
“The scheme is being trialled across the city and allows us to be more visible within our communities and at post offices, which are often the focal point of local activity and day to day business.”
Mastrick postmistress Sal Ahmad said: “We’re pleased to be a place where local people can come and voice any concerns they have to the police and get advice.”
Surgeries will be advertised in the post office branches.