There’s an interesting backstory as to how the Cops ‘n Coffee store in Greywell Precinct came about and it involves the glamourous world of American police, a seeming far cry from the quiet streets of Leigh Park. In something of a cliché, the town police department of Claire, Michigan were unhappy to learn that their local doughnut shop, which could trace its existence in one form or another to 1896 was to close. So dismayed were the nine strong department, that they bought it. What they didn’t see was what a huge success they had on their hands. So much so that they now have stores in other US locations, and even sell their coffee online.
Back in England, Sergeant Garry Smith of Havant police was looking for ways to engage with the people of Leigh Park in an informal setting on a low budget. Previous incarnations had included a community office in the library, but this hadn’t been a massive success as, according to Sergeant Smith, people just wanted to use the library services, and a police post was perceived to be somewhat extraneous. But when he visited the Policing for the Ages event at Gunwharf Quays in 2013 he met some delegates representing the Cops and Doughnuts chain, and an idea was born.
Now celebrating its six month anniversary, Cops n Coffee has become an integral part of the furniture in the revival that the Greywell Precinct is currently enjoying. To celebrate they ran a children’s treasure hunt with the help of ten local businesses, and Sergeant Smith fully acknowledges that without them and other partners, Cops ‘n Coffee would struggle to survive.
“We’ve had so much help and support from the local community and traders. From the free use of the shop front from the landlords, to Tesco who supply the coffee. Kenwood gave us a coffee machine, and Asda help with sweet treats, and have also provided volunteers to help man the shop through their own community volunteer scheme.
Not to mention we were assisted from the outset both in financial terms, and help at events by local firm, Big World Impact.â€
And Cops ‘n Coffee has gone from strength to strength, “initially we only opened every other Saturday,†Sgt. Smith explains. “But due to such a good response from everyone, we are now open every Tuesday and Saturday. It’s a great place for members of the public to approach police with any problems that they may have such as anti-social behaviour, which they might not normally bother going to Havant to report.â€
Follow them on Twitter @leighparkpolice which will also keep you up to date with future special events, or just pop in for a cup of coffee and a chat. You’re assured a warm welcome.