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H-E-B has hired a team of new security guards patrolling parking lots on all fours.

Canine patrols began guarding seven area H-E-B locations in January, officials with H-E-B and Houston-based S.E.A.L. Security Solutions said.

Both companies hope potential thieves and other troublemakers will see the dogs along with their human security officers and think twice about committing an offense.

“Our primary function with this partnership is to bring in what we feel is a visual crime deterrent and to hopefully prevent crime before it even starts,” H-E-B spokeswoman Julie Bedingfield said. The supermarket chain hired S.E.A.L., short for Strategic Executive and Logistical Security Solutions, some time last year, she said.

Each of the seven San Antonio stores will have one human and one canine security officer, Bedingfield said.

Bedingfield said she hopes shoppers see the dogs as a customer service aspect and feel free to approach them.

“They’re just like my goofy 2-year-old golden retriever, except much better trained than mine is,” Bedingfield said.

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jfechter@express-news.net

Twitter: @JFreports

Local stores with patrols

108 N. Rosillo St.

1601 Nogalitos St.

368 Valley Hi Drive

Las Palmas Mall

999 E. Basse Road, Suite 150

Alon Market: 8503 NW Military Highway

H-E-B Plus: 1150 N. Loop 1604 W.

Source: H-E-B

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