A NEW crimebusting initiative in which police surgeries will be held at a York supermarket may help women who are victims of domestic violence.

Bobby Lobbies, an initiative which has been successfully piloted by Asda in Shipley, West Yorkshire, is now to operate in York for a trial period of four months.

Members of the public can speak to a police officer on neutral ground in the supermarket's entrance area or, if they would like some privacy, in an adjoining office.

PC Dave Witts, community officer for the Monks Cross area who will be holding the surgeries, said: "This is an initiative which has been tested in the Shipley branch of Asda.

"It's surprising how many women who have come shopping on their own have come in and said that they either are or have been in the past victims of domestic violence.

"This is also an opportunity for people who might have information they don't think warrants a telephone call to talk to me about it in person.

"What they think is trivial or minor information may well be the missing link to solve something more serious.

"What we are hoping to do is be available to talk to about anything even if it's only to complain about dogs fouling pavements."

Sgt Dave Kirkby, of York Police, said: "These surgeries aren't new to York but we're going somewhere there will be a lot more people on a busy Saturday afternoon in the hope it will make us more accessible."

Paul Williamson, store manager at Asda, Monks Cross, said: "We are looking forward to working with the police to the benefit of our customers.

"This is the second Asda store to do it. The first was Shipley and it's going really, really well there which is why we are trying it in York.

"It is good for the store and good for the customer community."

The Bobby Lobbies will be advertised in store and a selection of crime prevention leaflets will also be available.The Bobby Lobbies will take place between 3pm and 5pm on July 8, August 5, September 2 and September 30.