New Bike For Thame Bobby

LOCAL VANDALS and those who use motorised vehicles on Thame’s footpaths, had better watch out because the town’s Community Beat Officer will now be able to keep and eye on things where police cars are unable to reach.
PC Russell Hounslow has been presented with a bicycle, thanks to Thame Town Council. In a statement, the council said: ” Faced with increasing vandalism in the town, Thame Town Council joined forces with the Police a few weeks ago to look at possible solutions. One of the problems identified was a lack of bicycles at Thame Police Station and the Council responded by funding a mountain bike.”

Naturally the council ‘Tried Thame First’ and obtained the the blue mountain bike from Thame Cycles in Park Street, Thame.

PC Russell Hounslow is delighted and said:”The bike allows me to effectively patrol the whole area. It?s quite difficult to get to the further reaches of Thame and Moreton on foot.
“There had been numerous reports of the illegal use of motorbikes on the Phoenix Trail and on my first patrol I caught a youth using a motorbike on the Trail. He tried to get away down local roads and pathways but having a bike allowed me to follow him and issue a warning under the Police Reform Act, which aims to curb the anti-social use of motor vehicles. Word got round very quickly.”

PC Hounslow will still be seen on foot patrol in the town centre but he is sure that the bike will benefit the whole community and give him more time for his other duties.

Vandalism levels have decreased in Thame and it is hoped that this will result in a saving for the Council on vandalism repairs.

Photo: PC Russell Hounslow receives his new bike from Thame’s Mayor, Cllr Nigel Champken-Woods.