NORTH Wales Police are set to trial a new bike initiative as part of the Safer Streets programme. 

The pilot scheme will see the force take on four custom-made electric bikes as they aim to tackle crime in Wrexham. 

The electric bikes have been paid for using money from the Safer Streets fund, with hopes that an increase in visibility will help keep the streets of Wrexham a safe place. 

On Wednesday morning (January 11) a handover of the bikes took place at Alf Jones Cycles in Gresford, the company that built the force's new mode of transport. 

The specialist bikes have been equipped with extras to help the force and can travel at speeds of up to 15mph. 

PCSO's are set to be the main beneficiaries of the new bikes, who instead of conducting foot patrols, will get about on the new means of transport. 

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It is hoped that the electric bikes will reduce the time it can take officers to reach an incident and improve the response time from the neighbourhood policing team.

In addition, it will enable officers to patrol a greater area of the city while on duty, as well as increase the visibility of the force.

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Andy Dunbobbin, said: "The bikes look great and will allow for increased visibility in the streets of Wrexham. 

"In the city centre, they could prove very useful during chases down nooks and crannies that normal motor vehicles wouldn't be able to access. 

"The scheme shows we are being innovative, all the big cities have bikes in their police forces, so it is good to have them in Wrexham."

Inspector Claire McGrady, of Wrexham City Police, said: "The idea for the bikes came from the officers, they felt it would help them during their patrols, which can often include a lot of walking. 

"This way they can get to locations quicker and cover a greater area while on patrols. 

"In addition, it helps reduce our green footprint, which is something Wrexham is really keen on doing."

Inspector McGrady added that the electric bikes would not have been possible without the safer streets funding, which has become a large focus in Wrexham. 

The aim of the Safer Streets project is to support areas experiencing crime across England and Wales, such as domestic burglary, robbery, theft, vehicle crime, anti-social behaviour, and violence against women and girls in public spaces, including in the night-time economy.

PCC, Andy Dunbobbin added: "It is very important to have safe streets and so far our efforts have been successful. 

"Not only with the bikes, but with the increased CCTV and Hafan Y Dref. It's all about being brave enough to try and make a difference."