Police turn to pedal power in Garston crime fight (From Watford Observer)

Police turn to pedal power in Garston crime fight

4:00pm Saturday 31st July 2010

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Two Garston bobbies are turning to two wheels in a bid to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.

PC David Hobden and PCSO David Gunn, who patrol the Meriden area of Garston, have been supplied with new bicycles by a consortium of local businesses.

Companies operating from the Greycaine Industrial Estate, concerned about the level of vandalism and petty crime in the area, funded two new mountain bikes for the officers, who have been pedalling the local beat for more than a month.

PC Hobden explained: “It makes us more accessible to people. If we are patrolling in a car then it’s difficult to stop and approach people and if we are on foot we can’t cover as much ground and kids will run off as soon as they see us.

“A lot of the ones who cause trouble by the shops are on bikes themselves, so it’s easier for us to chase them when we have to.”

“It’s also a good way of breaking down barriers,” explained PCSO Gunn. “Sometimes the kids are pretty impressed if you can keep up with them and want to learn more about your bike.”

Bicycles are increasingly popular tool for police forces up and down the country, particularly in urban areas. Watford currently has about nine police bikes.

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