CRIMINALS in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale now run the risk of being chased by bobbies on pedal cycles!

Community beat officers in the police Pennine Division are to "get on their bikes" to get round their patch.

Ten of the 18 community beat officers in the division, which covers all of Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale, have opted for pedal power in addition to their normal foot patrols.

They have been supplied with bikes and specially adapted uniforms of leggings, lighter body armour, a fluorescent vest and safety helmet.

Insp John Clucas of Burnley said: "Local residents have welcomed the arrival of our community beat officers who are currently working on foot.

"However, while foot patrols increases accessibility and visibility it does mean it takes them more time to get round their beat and to attend some of their more urgent calls. So we decided to equip some of them with cycles.

"We chose cycles rather than cars because although we want them to be able to move more quickly when required, we still want people to be able to flag them down.

"Having two wheels rather than four also means that officers can access places they wouldn't be able to in a car and quite often these are the types of places frequented by offenders."

Along those who will carry out cycle patrols are Burnley beat bobbies, Nic Fisher, Stoneyholme and Daneshouse; Adam Gordon, Trinity; Andy Thornhill, Burnley Wood and Justin Brown, Stoops.

PC Gordon said: "I worked as a police officer for a number of years and carried out patrols both on foot and in a car.

"I opted for a bike because it has a number of advantages over both. It will allow me to be highly visible, keep in touch with the public and be a real threat to offenders because I can quickly give chase and follow them wherever they go."