Electric bikes to tackle trouble on the Isle of Wight
Officers in four towns have been given them
Last updated 7th Mar 2023
Police in four towns on the Isle of Wight are stepping up efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour.
Officers in Sandown, Shanklin, Lake and Ventnor have been given four electric bikes to help them cover a wider area.
It's thanks to ÂŁ19K of funding from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones.
The bikes are part of Operation Spider, which tackles ASB and associated crime such as drug-related activity and serious violence.
The operation involves a number of agencies, including health and education partners, to tackle the symptoms of ASB and identify the root causes. This enables additional support to be provided to young people involved in particular, to help divert them away from this type of activity.
Police Sergeant Benjamin Sharland, from the South Wight Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “The bikes have all the benefits of a foot or traditional cycle patrol but they also increase our patrols times, the distance we can cover, and allow my officers to preserve energy to deal with anything they come across on patrol.
“In the first week alone the team increased the patrol areas covered by at least three times and they were able to remain out of the station on patrol for greater amounts of time as well as getting to harder to reach locations.”
Donna Jones, Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “Anti-social behaviour has a detrimental effect on people’s lives which is why it is one of the key priorities in my Police and Crime Plan.
“Working with key partners, I am committed to driving down ASB, and these e-bikes are a fantastic addition to the work already being carried out by officers on the Isle of Wight.
“I have also pledged to ensure Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary will have 600 more police officers on the streets by the end of March 2023.
"I know that the public want improved police visibility, so I am really pleased to hear that these bikes are helping the neighbourhood team cover larger patrol areas.”
Police Sergeant Benjamin Sharland added: “The bikes are a game changer and a clear investment in Neighbourhood Policing.
“We are extremely thankful to PCC Donna Jones for the continued support for the work we are doing to target anti-social behaviour and the linked drug and alcohol related crime.”