New Security Manager is on the beat at a Birkenhead Shopping Centre
Photos by in this report are by Alan Fennah

THE Birkenhead Shopping Centre, the 'Pyramids' has a new Security Manager who is a former Police Inspector is on the beat. With 32 years' service in the Police Force behind him, Mark Shepherd is the perfect candidate for his new role, as ironically started his Police career, at Pyramids Shopping Centre, as a new recruit, aged just 19!

Mark said:- "I did 32 years with Merseyside Police and left with the rank of Inspector. I actually started in Birkenhead around the Shopping Centre area as a probationary constable so I've come full circle really. I've got good local knowledge and having dealt with all the different aspects of crime and the people involved should give me a good insight into the role. Now I'm going to head up a team of about 15 responsible for covering all the security aspects of Pyramids Shopping Centre."

Mark, who lives in Bebington, with his wife Norma, who is also a former Policewoman, spent several years Policing on the Wirral before also working in Liverpool, where the couple met.

He has operated within CID, patrol units, custody and internal investigation areas before retiring from the force and helping care for his 3 grandchildren.

Mark told us that:- "The Pyramids is visited by hundreds and hundreds of people every day, especially at this time of year, and we want to ensure everyone enjoys a safe, relaxed shopping experience."

Derek Millar, Commercial Director for Pyramids Shopping Centre, said:- "We are committed to providing the best possible shopping experience for our 14m a year visitors visitors and we want those shoppers to feel relaxed, happy and enjoy their experience with us. Mark joins an experienced Shopping Centre Management Team who are there to ensure the smooth running of the Pyramids from clean toilets to a great selection of shops to choose from which includes the likes of H&M, Marks & Spencer, Next, WH Smith, TJ Hughes, River Island and The Body Shop."

The news of Mark's appointment comes after the Pyramids recently announced it had smashed energy targets and cut energy bills by 13% after investing more than £500,000 in the latest green technology systems.

Some of the money spent was part of a £1m package announced in the summer last year to make major improvements at the Birkenhead shopping centre which included modernisation of the centre's 2 car parks including new lifts and car park equipment. Derek added:- "All of this, including Mark's appointment, is all part and parcel of our commitment to provide the best possible retail hub for the Wirral."

The shops based in Pyramids have their own security to deal with in store issues, so Mark's team will be responsible for policing outside the shops, in the mall, car parks or public areas, and ensuring the smooth working relationships of these different security teams. He added that:- "We have to make sure we're all working together and to also build up a good relationship with the local Police Force."

This should be easy enough for Mark with his years of past experience, during which one of his biggest challenges was during the annual Matthew Street Festival. He described the yearly Policing of Liverpool's biggest Beatles celebration as a highly complex task, as thousands of fans descend on the area of the City for the event and he felt responsible for their safety. So taking the shoppers of Birkenhead under his wing will be a walk in the park for the former Inspector.  Mark said:- "The best proof that we're working well is when people don't even notice us. If everyone can come and shop happily and safely and not even know that we're there then we must be doing something right."

For more information about Pyramids Shopping Centre go to:- PyramidsBirkenhead.com  or go onto the centre's Facebook page or Twitter account @PyramidsSC to find out more.