Bobbies On Bikes

Police in Hertford will now be patrolling on pedal bikes as well as on foot to help combat anti-social behaviour in the area.

PC Sarah Burkert from Hertford Neighbourhood Team, said: “We are working together with the council and local housing associations to reduce crime and disorder and to reassure residents.

“Through partnership funding we have purchased five mountain bikes for some of our police officers and PCSOs. This will enable them to get closer to their local communities. We are really keen to get back to policing basics - and this includes walking and cycling the streets.”

The five bikes have been funded by East Herts Community Safety Partnership and Waitrose. Waitrose contributed £280 from their Community Matters fund. Halfords are also giving them a discount on their equipment and maintenance.

She continued: “Not only do the bikes help to increase the visibility of officers, and thus help to reassure residents with their presence, but their greater mobility means that officers can move from one location to another much more quickly, should they need to.”

East Herts Council’s Executive member for community safety and protection, Cllr Malcolm Alexander, said: “People have said they wanted to see more bobbies on the beat and this scheme will do just that. It will help to keep East Herts a safe place in which to live and work.”