BIKING bobbies are back on the beat in Blackpool in an attempt to combat crime.

Police in the town are taking to two wheels during the summer months as the crime rate hots up.

The new team, made up of eleven specially selected and trained officers, was officially launched at the end of stage 6 of the Prutour on the promenade on May 28.

The Golden Mile Squad, as they will be known, will also provide valuable support for Operation Arrival.

The officers, working in teams of two with Sergeant Daryl Turner, will patrol the busy stretch on Ridgeback mountain bikes sponsored by Coral Island and supplied by Wyre Wheels.

Wearing highly visible and distinctive clothing, the squad will provide valuable support for other promenade officers as well as targeting crime hotspots, reducing incidents of public nuisance and disorder as well as road and tram casualties.

And to keep in contact with each other the officers will wear microphone headsets and remote radio switches.

Sgt Turner said: "We hope the bikes can improve our service. The bikes are quicker at responding to incidents than foot patrols and will also have a turn of speed in pursuit of suspects.

"We are clearly identifiable in clothing designed and made specifically for us. They will provide added assurance for both residents and visitors."

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