Cops get on their bikes to crackdown on crime
Community Police officers in Perth and Kinross have taken delivery of 18 E-bikes to help them get out and about and deal with issues like anti-social behaviour and rural crime.
It means that every station in Perth and Kinross will have access to E-bikes and use them where appropriate. They replace older bikes, some of which may be donated to a local bike charity.
Officers working with local primary schools will also use them as part of their work to deliver bike ability courses for pupils.
The Community Policing Team is currently running a competition with primary schools in Perth to come up with names for the E-bikes based in the city. The eight winners will receive a cycle kit as a prize and the names will be etched on the bikes.
Community Policing officer Sean Kellie said: “Bikes are a very useful operational tool for us, enabling us to get around communities easily and be visible within communities.
“The E-bikes are particularly useful for working with schools and dealing with anti-social behaviour. We can be visible on patrol in areas where cars cannot go.
“Recently, high visible patrols on E-bikes responding to concerns about youths riding scrambler bikes in the Luncarty area resulted in one youth being charged in connection with road traffic offences and having their E-scrambler confiscated.
“They also reduce our dependence on police vehicles and help improve our carbon footprint overall. On top of that, it is beneficial for officers to be out and about in the fresh air, working with the community and providing reassurance by being visible.”