Wessex donated three high-spec mountain bikes to Shaftesbury Police last year and, since then, response rates have increased and crime has been reduced.
Nine months on, the cycle patrol has been hailed a unanimous success and has been credited with “helping make the streets of the town safer than ever before”.
Because of the bikes, the neighbourhood patrol has been able to access footpaths, alleyways and parks more easily and has been able to disperse large groups of youths.
This has also broken down barriers between police and youths because they are easier to flag down and talk to.
The bikes are being used in standard beat work and as “response vehicles” against street crime.
Shaftesbury Police district commander Phil Cheverton, said “The bikes have made a real difference to our patrols as we have been able to increase our presence in areas which have not been possible to serve before.
“We are now more mobile and able to cover a much wider area, carrying out regular patrols across all housing estates.
“The cycle patrol has been far more effective than we could ever have imagined and provides a much-improved service to the general public.”
Stuart Fisher, director and general manager of Wessex, which partnered with Shaftesbury Town Safer Neighbourhood Team to provide the bikes, said “”We’re delighted the initiative has been such a huge success and instrumental in reducing crime in Shaftesbury.
“The bikes have increased response rates and have been well received by the public, who have praised the cycle patrol for creating a high-visibility reassurance for the community.”
As a result of the success of the cycle patrol in Shaftesbury, similar patrols are now being rolled out in neighbouring towns.
