Published: Thursday, 17th January, 2008 09:30
Don't pedal crime
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PEDALLING crime in the Gullane area has just got a great deal tougher. . . thanks to a two-wheeled community police constable.
PC Tracy Parker, whose beat includes Gullane, Aberlady, Dirleton and Drem (GADDA), is the first county copper to don a helmet and kneepads while out on patrol – after the area’s community councillors provided funds for a mountain bike.
After finding time in her busy schedule to acquire the bike last October, PC Parker, who is based at North Berwick Police Station, spent two months undertaking cycle safety training with Lothian and Borders Police before finally heading out on her new wheels.
“I’ve been using the bike for about three weeks now but haven’t really had the opportunity to head out on it because of the terrible weather,” said PC Parker, who has served Lothian and Borders Police for 18 years.
“I’m looking forward to getting more use from it when the weather gets better, as it’s then much better for patrols.
“At the end of the day, you can only go so far on foot or by car.
“With the bike, I can access areas which are normally quite out of the way – like the Aberlady Nature Reserve – a lot easier.”
Once the weather improves, she plans to head out on bike patrol roughly two-to-three times a week.
Members of the public, she added, had shown their support for her new mode of transport.
“People have been looking on it quite favourably I think,” said the policewoman.
“I have quite a few people coming up and asking questions. I think it’s something that could really catch on.”
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