PEDAL power is the driving force behind a new campaign by Warrington police to cut crime.

Clad in neon coats and padded lycra leggings, in true Sunset Beach fashion, officers from Warrington's community action team will sweep the streets and alleys of the town on top-of-the-range mountain bikes in a bid to catch out criminals.

"If we get any arrests, we'll just strap them to the saddle and reel them in," said Sgt Dean Richardson who initiated the project.

Most of the time, the bikes will be used for pro-active operations, but officers plan to sneak down alleyways and ride round schools and car parks to deter criminals, combat youth nuisance and anti-social behaviour, and make the streets safer.

The bikes will be used in addition to the force's fleet of pandas and officers hope they will help them get to parts of the town that traditional police vehicles cannot reach.

Sgt Richardson says the public's response has been superb.

"We have had people beeping their horns and hanging out of their car windows shouting their approval," he said. "It's what people have been crying out for. Bobbies are back on the beat and we are able to cover bigger areas than a foot patrol."

This is the first time bikes have been used in Warrington but in similar areas, the bikes have brought about a significant drop in crime.

Added Sgt Richardson: "I think it will be the future of policing and I am hoping it will expand throughout Cheshire."

The scheme has been supported by Asix clothing, Saracens Cycles, IKEA, BNFL, Hubert Jones, Rock Oil and Argos.

Cheshire Police are hoping to add more bikes to their fleet later this year.

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