Dorset-based Wessex Fire and Security said it sponsored the bikes to enhance the valuable service already provided by Community Beat Officers and PCSOs.
Shaftesbury’s neighbourhood policing is usually carried out on foot and by car, but bikes have been welcomed in other towns as they help create a visible police presence on the streets. The high-specification bikes are designed to increase response times and can be used to pursue suspects down narrow lanes and across terrain cars cannot manage.
Director and general manager of Wessex Fire and Security, Stuart Fisher, said the company was delighted to be involved with the initiative.
“The presence of these three bikes will undoubtedly help reduce crime in Shaftesbury and increase feelings of safety amongst members of the community,” he said.
Positive comments
Inspector Phil Cheverton of North Dorset Police said, “I have already received many positive comments from the public as a result of the higher visibility of the officers who, due to the sponsorship from Wessex Fire and Security, are now able to cover a much wider area.
“This enables the officers to respond more effectively to the areas where issues are taking place, providing a much-improved service to the general public.”
The donation has been described as an entirely local project, with the bikes supplied by Wheels of Gillingham and the sign writing carried out by Signwrite of Shaftesbury.
This week it was reported that Greater Manchester Police had banned all officers with less than a year’s experience from using bikes on the beat, following the death of a trainee PCSO who was hit by a truck in Wigan.
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