Exeter officers in the saddle as they use new E-bikes to get around

Exeter Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and other colleagues have a ‘wheely’ new way of getting out and about to help the public.  

The neighbourhood teams in the city and wider Exeter area now have access to E-bikes and have recently saddled up to try out the new mode of transport.   

PCSO Paul Fudge had his first tour of duty on one of the new bikes earlier this week and the cycles are already proving popular. As the weather warms up and Exeter is very busy with students on holiday and other visitors it was an ideal chance to go on pedal patrol.

Within the first five minutes of been in the saddle PCSO Paul had stopped a young lad who had been sought by police since January. The lad’s details were noted and suitable words of advice issued to him.

Next it was off to the public open spaces, where Paul engaged with youths who were having fun but had left their personal items, including bags, phones and bicycles some distance from them. The youths were reminded of the importance of keeping a close eye on their possessions.

Being able to cut through and take short cuts on the bike, PCSO Paul soon noticed a car which had no insurance and no valid MOT so positive action was taken and a report summitted. A fellow officer then called to say that youths were on the top of a car park so PCSO Fudge cycled up to the top floor and spoke to the youths which ended with the trio receiving an anti-social behaviour warning letter.

Inspector Dave Turner said: “This was a positive start and has made a good impression to members of the public. There are many benefits of using E-bikes around Exeter and they give us another option when we are engaging with the community. Bikes can sometimes get into areas that police vehicles could not so it gives us greater access. We can also use the bikes to get to incidents faster than officers on a foot patrol.”

E-bikes are available to officers in various locations across Devon & Cornwall and all those using them have completed the necessary training and wear appropriate clothing, as well as a cycle helmet for safety reasons. 

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