Inspector Chris Beasley confirmed that police patrols will be stepped up after the opening of the flagship centre in a bid to make the thousands of expected visitors feel safe.

The new retail park, which will feature the UK's top retailers, a bowling alley, cinema and numerous restaurants, is due to open at the end of October.

Insp Beasley has also revealed police are in the process of holding talks with businesses to prepare a plan aimed at stopping thieves – who might view the new development as an easy target – in their tracks.

He said: "There will be a substantial increase in the number of people visiting Wrexham and with that comes other associated problems. We have to do our part and make it safe to encourage people to use shops in the town centre."

"Both us and the new premises and all our partners are preparing well in advance. We will be adjusting our shifts to suit the demands of the centre."

Insp Beasley said staff at the businesses would receive guidance from officers to deal with shoplifters, with a tough stance to be taken by police to ensure criminals do not see the development as a soft target.

But he added that policing of the centre would also be shaped to a large extent by a 'wait and see' policy, with the development being without precedent in Wrexham.

"We don't want people to come there thinking they can break into cars," he said.

"It's contributing to the growth of the town and clearly part of ensuring that is successful is making people feel safe."

Top retailers already confirmed for the development include anchor tenant Debenhams, Marks and Spencer, Next, H&M, River Island and lingerie specialists La Senza.

Restaurants and cafes such as Pizza Express, Frankie and Benny's and Starbucks have also been confirmed.

An eight screen multiplex Odeon cinema is also scheduled to open in April 2009.

Shoppers will park in a privately run 1,000 space car park.

The centre management team have also been working on plans for a four-day launch party, scheduled to take place from Thursday October 30 to Sunday November 2.