Lothian and Borders Police have launched a new cycle patrol service to coincide with the opening of the annual Edinburgh Festival.
An 18-strong team of officers from Edinburgh’s city centre policing unit will aim to provide a high-visibility cycle presence across the city centre to help improve local policing, provide reassurance, reduce instances of anti-social behaviour and cut the number of road casualties.
The patrols will focus on crime hotspots and large events held in the city centre, and officers will be equipped with helmets fitted with mini-CCTV cameras to record anti-social behaviour.
‘Cycling allows us to combine speed and mobility with the accessibility of a beat officer, ‘ said Deputy Chief Constable, Tom Halpin.