Police use pedal power to tackle street crime

Date published: 21 January 2009

Police in south Rochdale will be better equipped to patrol the area thanks to a donation of four new pedal bikes.

Councillor Mohammed Sharif gave the bikes to officers on the Rochdale South Neighbourhood Policing Team through a £700 donation via the Rochdale regeneration project. It is hoped they will improve the service officers deliver to all members of the Rochdale South community.

Inspector Michelle Hughes, for Rochdale South Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “These bikes are a real asset to the team, as they will enable our officers to patrol communities more easily and respond to incidents more quickly while still remaining accessible to the public.

“They are an extra tool in our fight on crime and will be put to good use by our Police Community Support Officers.

“The bikes give officers the advantage of being able to sneak up quietly on suspected criminals as well as the ability to get to places that cars can’t reach like parks and back alleyways.”

Councillor Mohammed Sharif, said: “Funding these bikes is a great way of supporting the community as well as the police and we are happy to be able to help provide these bikes and hope they will contribute to this joint objective.”