On your bike

In summer 2006, the Safer Surrey Heath Partnership funded the purchase of six bicycles for use by the borough's Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs). Since then, officers have been using the bikes to get around and respond more quickly to incidents of anti-social behaviour - and improve relations with residents, especially with teenagers.

Philip Whitington, PCSO for the St Michaels and Watchetts area, once used his bike to catch up with some youths who were riding mini motorbikes illegally in a residential area - something he wouldn't have been able to do on foot. He said: "The bikes really help us to get around the neighbourhood to solve problems more quickly, and to engage with residents more freely."

Surrey Heath Neighbourhood Sergeant, Jon Castell, a supervisor for the borough's Neighbourhood Specialist Officers and PCSOs, added: "It's important for PCSOs to develop a rapport with residents, especially teenagers, and really get to know them. The bikes provide a real benefit for both the officers and the community."

The partnership also funded two bikes for Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, which are used for fire prevention work in vulnerable areas, such as on the Old Dean common.

Surrey Heath Borough Manager for Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, Martin Goad, said: "The bikes provide us with a visual presence and help us to interact with residents, advising them on countryside safety and asking them to keep their eyes and ears open for any potential fire starters. In 2006, Surrey Heath experienced the largest reduction in grass related fires in the county, which we believe is a direct result of fire prevention initiatives, including our regular bike patrols."

Our photograph shows some of Surrey Heath's PCSOs hitting the road, from left, Mohammed Jamil (St Michaels and Watchetts), Kelly Wootton (Old Dean), Philip Whitington (St Michaels and Watchetts), and Anthony Walker (Bagshot and Windlesham)