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Cross Gates bobbies go mobile on bikes
Police Community Support Officers in Cross Gates have a new and faster way of getting around, thanks to donations from the local community.
Crossgates Shopping Centre, John Smeaton High School and Drakes Cycles have given 400 to help the police to purchase four new bikes for the local force.
This now means that all four outer team officers working from Killingbeck Police Station have a personally issued cycle, allowing them to get from place to place much more quickly than before.
The cycles were first on the street two months ago, and since then have had a fantastic effect within the community. The officers can cover their beats and wards more thoroughly and they can reach the far end of their area within 15 minutes if required.
"The bikes have so far been a fantastic help," said PCSO Steve Thompson, who serves the Whinmoor, Stanks, Swarcliffe and Manston areas.
"Providing extra-high visibility for a longer stretch of time achieves our targets and essentially reassures the local residents."
Recently, Steve was involved in the arrest of a known burglar who he would not have been able to apprehend, had he not had his bicycle handy.
Two of his colleagues, PCSO Paul Calvert and PCSO David Foster, also managed to stop and assist in the arrest of a person who had just committed a theft from motor vehicle, due to their ability to get to the scene within just a couple of minutes.
The bikes are also proving very helpful whenever a thorough area search for missing persons across a larger area is required.
"We're delighted to have been able to assist the local police force to purchase these bikes," said Crossgates Shopping Centre security manager David Coulthard.
"It's great that they are having such a positive effect in helping the police to keep our community safe. We're very pleased to have been able to help."
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Weather for Leeds
Friday 18 May 2012
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Temperature: 8 C to 12 C
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