Bikes the new weapon in crime fight (From Chelmsford Weekly News)

Bikes the new weapon in crime fight

11:22am Thursday 9th July 2009

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POLICE have brought pedal power into Brentwood to tackle criminals.

Operation Velo has been launched throughout the borough and will see officers patrolling on their bikes.

Essex Police has said the bikes will allow officers to cover the borough more effectively and the scheme has been praised by Brentwood councillor Russell Quirk.

Chief Insp Keith Dobson said: “Officers will be able to patrol and access places police cars cannot necessarily get to, providing an increased police visible presence in our neighbourhoods.”

The operation was launched at Sainsbury’s in William Hunter Way, Brentwood, on Thursday, July 2.

Essex Police said it was part of a more traditional policing approach that residents have told officers they want to see on the streets.

Mr Dobson said the bikes offered a much easier way for residents to speak to officers and were also environmentally-friendly.

He said: “Bike patrols will enable officers to be more accessible to residents and assist in reducing crime and anti-social behaviour, as well as our carbon footprint.

“Operation Velo allows our officers and the public to talk to each other more easily – it really does give a whole new meaning to recycling!”

Russell Quirk, chairman of Brentwood Council’s environment and parking management committee, said the bikes should make residents feel safer.

He said: “It can only be a good thing if it means it allows more coverage of the town centre, other urban parts of the borough and rural areas.

“One of the main issues for residents is visibility of the police and I am sure this means people will be even more confident with the extra presence.

“It will be an extra deterrent to criminals.”

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