Article in todays Norwich Evening News
Cheers, helen s
"Bobbies take to their bikes
30 May 2005 10:07
Community bobbies are taking to their bikes to tackle anti-social behaviour
on their city estate.
The two police community support officers and the beat manager who patrol
the Bowthorpe and Costessey areas have been given new mountain bikes as
pedal power is introduced as the latest weapon against yobs.
"The role of the community team is one of reassurance and visible
deterrence," said PC Neil Williams, who co-ordinated the project.
"The team members can do this much more effectively on two wheels than on
foot. "Being on two wheels mean the team can travel between areas where we
have had anti-social behaviour more quickly and it means the officers can
spend more time patrolling where it matters rather than walking between
areas."
In April, the Evening News reported how yobs were making the lives of
families in the area a misery by vandalising property and intimidating
people.
Earlier this month families living in Bowthorpe were called on to back a
campaign to get community wardens in their area to help combat anti-social
behaviour.
Brenda Ferris, a Norwich City Councillor for Bowthorpe, said she was in
total support of the cycle scheme.
"I think it's a great idea, particularly when Bowthorpe has got all these
purpose built cycle tracks to enable people to get around," she said.
"It's particularly suited to access by foot and by cycle and means they can
get to parts which Panda cars can't. I think it's excellent."
The Evening News also revealed how Furious families in Costessey demanded
police step up patrols in their neighbourhood after yobs slashed tyres on a
string of cars.
The yobs targeted at least seven cars within a few hundred metres of each
other in Gunton Lane and Oval Road.
Rebecca Armstrong, a mother of two who lives with her partner Shane Ward, in
Costessey, said putting police on bikes would be a good thing.
"I think it would be a good idea if they kept it up," she said. "I would
welcome anything that would deter the kids hanging around.
"Unfortunately all the residents round this way have tarred every child with
the same brush now. I think to have a police presence around is good."
PC Williams said the project, which has been funded by Norfolk
Constabulary's central division and with help from the South Norfolk Crime
and Reduction Partnership, has been greeted positively by the public.
"I would like to thank the South Norfolk Crime and Disorder Reduction
Partnership who have part funded this project," he said.
"Making people feel safer is about agencies working together as a team and
this project is a good example of what can be achieved."
Does your estate need cycling bobbies to tackle anti-social behaviour? Call
crime reporter Peter Walsh on (01603) 772439 or email
[email hidden]"