The Hertsmere safer neighbourhood teams (SNT) have just taken delivery of five new electric bikes allowing them to cover more of their beat whilst on duty.

The SNT's are made up of police officers and police community support officers (PCSO) who are responsible for fixing short and long-term neighbourhood issues such as anti-social behaviour.

They work with local partners, including Hertsmere Borough Council, to ensure that the borough is a safe place to live and work.

They carry out regular uniformed patrols in their area and are a visible presence to prevent crime and reassure residents.

Officers identified a need for the bikes and following a successful trial, Sergeant Iain Brunt applied for and secured funding from Hertsmere Borough Council’s Section 106 developer's contribution funding.

Chief Inspector for Hertsmere, Mark Bilsdon said: "Traditionally, safer neighbourhood team officers carry out their patrols on foot, on a pedal bike or in a vehicle if they need to access areas far from their station.

"These new electric bikes enable our officers to spend less time travelling to their ‘beat’ and more time actively patrolling and engaging with the community.

"Electric bikes are also eco-friendly and cost effective compared to cars, and they enable officers to be more approachable when out and about. We are already seeing the benefits they bring to both our officers and local residents."

Borehamwood Times:

During a recent shift, PCSO Graham Tippett from the Potters Bar safer neighbourhood team rode 37 miles on an electric bike, covering every single road in his 'beat'.

While PCSO Suzy Tether is now able to reach her beat more quickly allowing for more time patrolling.

Many residents and young people have stopped her to look at and talk to her about the bike, increasing engagement with the community.

Cllr Pervez Choudhury, Hertsmere Borough Council’s portfolio holder for community safety, said: "This is an excellent example of how developers’ funding can be invested into projects that support our local communities.

"It’s great to hear about the additional miles that the teams can cover using these new bikes, helping to ensure the police officers and PCSOs are more visible which helps the police to find out more about what is going on in our neighbourhoods but also reassures our residents."