West Lancashire police welcome new e-bike fleet
The bikes will assist police in tackling crime across Lancaster and Morecambe
Police in West Lancashire are welcoming the help of two new e-bikes - thanks to money seized from convicted criminals.
Lancaster and Morecambe Police recently received two electrically-assisted pedal bikes to assist in their duties across their beat, helping them to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.
The bikes were funded through the forces’ Prevent, Problem Solving, and Innovation Fund, which funds community projects through cash and assets taken from convicted criminals via the Proceeds of Crime Act.
While e-bikes are illegal if modified to go at high speeds, the electrically-assisted pedal bikes cut out at 15.5mph, which will allow their riders to remain in control and minimise the risk of serious injury in a collision.
The bikes will allow officers to cover an even wider area than before, and respond more efficiently to incidents which may be less accessible by car.
“These bikes are a valuable asset to our neighbourhood policing team, allowing officers to respond to crime and anti-social behaviour more efficiently and cover areas more quickly than on foot patrol alone,” said geographic inspector for Lancaster and Morecambe James Martin.
“Neighbourhood teams across Lancashire already use these bikes to support their work, and the addition of two new EAPCs will further enhance our ability to patrol local communities.
“This increased mobility will help us maintain a visible presence, engage with more residents and businesses, and proactively address issues such as anti-social behaviour, the illegal use of e-bikes and scooters, and retail crime.
“The EAPCs operate within a recognised legal framework, and all officers using them have completed comprehensive training to ensure they can be ridden safely, professionally and in accordance with the law.”