Force extends city cycle patrols

PC David Scott is often seen out and about on his bike

Police have extended bicycle patrols by officers to the south of Edinburgh after they proved popular elsewhere.

Four officers from the Safer Communities Unit, based at Captain's Road near Howdenhall Police Station, have taken to the streets on bikes.

The new initiative follows on from the successful launch of similar patrols in the city centre last summer.

It has been anticipated that the mountain bike scheme could be extended to Portobello and Craigmillar.

Insp Stephen Paul, of Lothian and Borders Police, said: "Officers in the city centre received extremely favourable comments from the public about them using the bikes so it was decided to extend the scheme to other parts of Edinburgh.

"We hope the public in the south of the city will now literally see the benefit of this initiative.

"They are used to officers in patrol cars going by but having these officers on the bikes will bring them closer to the community.

"Not only will they have added visibility and mobility but it will be good for the officers' fitness levels as well."