Bobbies on bikes

Bicycles are being added to patrol cars and force-issue police boots to make getting around the beat that much easier.

Sgt Adrian Webb, leader of the town centre team, said: "The bikes will allow us to maintain our high-visibility presence, while allowing us to police the area more effectively."

Officers are being trained in how to use the bikes for their duties, and should soon be seen riding round their patch.

Insp Mark Hammond, head of Littlehampton's neighbourhood policing team, has switched more resources into the town centre since he took charge at the end of last year. As well as Sgt Webb, the team includes four constables and three police community support officers.

They are tackling issues such as shoplifting and criminal damage, are clamping down on town centre drug dealers and have reinvigorated the Shopwatch crime alert radio scheme for traders.

The team has also been working alongside ethnic groups, with other agencies, to help and support them as they become more integrated into the community.

Said Sgt Webb: "The response so far from local business leaders has been extremely positive. They have been assured of a positive and robust approach within the town centre, especially in the run-up to the busy summer months."

High Street businessman Mark Butler welcomed the arrival of the new bikes. "I am delighted that resources are being spent in this way. It is reassuring both for us, as traders, and the general public, to see a police presence such as this on the streets.

"We, as traders, will work closely with Adrian and his team in the future."

Insp Hammond pledged: "When the team have completed their mountain bike training, it will add another dimension to our visibility in the town."