Eighteen new electric bikes have been delivered to Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNT) across Hertfordshire allowing them to be more accessible and cover more of their beat whilst on duty.
And within weeks of their use, they are already reaping rewards and proving popular with residents.
Towards the end of July PCSO Graham Warner found a vulnerable missing person in his area. Multiple police resources were deployed in the search. Knowing the local area well, he was able to use his bike to easily navigate local tow paths, cover extensive ground and locate the missing person.
The electric bikes were trialled in Hertsmere and Dacorum after Hertsmere Sergeant Iain Brunt highlighted a need. Over the last year, PCSOs Leon James and Milan Boca, from the Bushey and Radlett team, have been out in all seasons and have each covered 2,000 miles on their bikes.
Superintendent Ken Townsend said: “Our Safer Neighbourhood Team officers traditionally carry out patrols on foot and on a pedal bike, or in a vehicle if they need to access areas far from their station. The trials in Hertsmere and Dacorum have been a resounding success with positive feedback from both the Safer Neighbourhood Team and the public.
“Electric bikes enable our officers to cover more ground and spend more time on their beat actively patrolling and engaging with the community. In one shift alone, PC Stephen Cooke covered 61km in Croxley, which would not have been possible on foot or conventional bike patrol.
“The feedback from officers is that people, particularly young people, are really interested in stopping them to find out more about the bikes, which increases engagement, breaks down barriers and is a great starting point to talk about other issues they might want to raise.
“The bikes are also eco-friendly and cost effective compared to cars, and they enable officers to be more approachable when out and about.”
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