A NORTH-EAST security guard has won a lifetime achievement award in recognition of the positive impact he has had in reducing retail crime over several years.

Barry Jago, who has been in the security team at House of Fraser at intu Metrocentre, in Gateshead, since 2002 was given the Long Term Contribution Award at the North East Retail Crime Awards 2016.

He is employed by Oltec FM, which provides professionally-trained security personnel to the retail sector.

The awards were presented by the North East Retail Crime Partnership, an information sharing and support network for north east retailers, police and other partners, aimed at reducing crime and anti-social behaviour in local communities.

The Long Term Contribution Award recognises an individual that has had a positive impact in reducing retail crime over a number of years.

Sarah Bird, head of business crime at North East Retail Crime Partnership, said: “The Partnership has worked closely with Barry for the past decade and he has become an invaluable source of information.

“He has a fantastic understanding of our partnership and what we are trying to achieve. Barry regularly supplies us with a wealth of intelligence which helps us to identify trends and the whereabouts of known offenders and new offenders, ultimately helping to reduce crime in the area.

“He is highly experienced and knowledgeable and a very deserving winner of this special award.”