Press Release

Pedal power proves a hit with local bobbies

Push bikes have proved to be such a hit with Abingdon bobbies that they are increasing their two-wheeled fleet with the help of Vale Housing Association, Vale of White Horse District Council and the Vale Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership.

Abingdon officers have had two bikes since September last year. And since that date they have netted 120 arrests, issued 19 penalty notices for disorder, carried out 528 stop checks and issued 87 fixed penalties for traffic offences between the two of them.

Four new bikes have been purchased with partnership funding so that the entire inner and outer Abingdon neighbourhood team can patrol on two wheels.  The scheme is a result of closer partnership working between organisations in Abingdon.  It also marks the occasion of The Vale Housing Association signing up to the Respect Standard, a new government initative for tackling anti-social behaviour.

Bassam Ghaida, Area Housing Manager at The Vale Housing Association, commented:  “The Vale Housing Association is committed to making a difference to the communities where we work.  By donating funding for the bikes we are developing closer links with other organisations to combat anti-social behaviour and hope to make a positive contribution to the quality of life for our tenants and other Abingdon residents”.

Sgt Andy Cranidge, in charge of the team, said; “We have had very positive feedback from the community. Residents say it is good to see their bobbies on bikes. They are more approachable and visible than when they are in cars, but they are still able to get round the area quickly, making an impressive number of arrests.

“The new bikes will be used by officers to patrol the whole of Abingdon, focusing on hotspots of crime and antisocial behaviour. The neighbourhood action team (NAG) is behind the idea because the bikes will help officers to address the issues local residents want us to deal with. “