Cash boost for pedal-power crime fighting

A TWO-WHEELED crime reduction project conceived by Dunbar's Pc Kevin Hughes has proved so successful it has secured a further funding boost.

Pc Hughes took to his high-spec cycle earlier this year and said he had already seen an improvement in youth relations and a fall in under-age drinking.

He said the bike not only provided a common talking point with young people but allows access to difficult-to-reach places such as the country park and coastal paths.

Now, with a new recruit due to start in the team this summer, Pc Hughes and his colleague will be able to expand their patrols and become a more regular sight in the area thanks to £400 of funding from the nearby Lafarge Cement works.

He said: Visibility is a very important part of policing. It reassures local people that we're about and doing our job, and makes those who intend to be disruptive think twice. The bike has improved access to hard-to-reach areas.

"Young people are also fascinated by the bike, which is extremely robust and fast over all kinds of terrain."