Cookstown police to patrol on bikes

Police in Cookstown will today unveil their latest tools to tackle crime in the area with the delivery of new top-of-the-range pedal bikes which will be used for "high profile patrolling across the district.

A PSNI spokesperson from the Sector and Community Policing says the two-wheeled approach to tackling crime should bring benefits: “We feel the bikes, in certain situations, should be more flexible than patrol cars and quicker than foot patrols. In housing estates, the bikes should be able to use alleyways which are not accessible to cars.”

The bikes have been specially adapted for police work and will allow for greater coverage and quicker response to calls for assistance.

Officers using the bikes will have passed a fitness schedule and the Cycling Proficiency Test and will wear a specially adapted uniform which includes a cycle helmet, wrap-round sunglasses, fluorescent jackets, cycling gloves, cargo trousers and special shoes.

Belfast police have already begun patrols in the city centre area.

(SP)