Bikes to boost bobbies on towpath beat

Community police patrolling the Forth & Clyde Canal in and around Kirkintilloch & Bishopbriggs will be able to take the weight of their feet in future, thanks to a special donation from British Waterways Scotland (BWS).

BWS has supplied four new mountain bikes to the police to help them on their rounds on the canal and surrounding areas. The bikes were handed over by Andy Carroll, community liaison officer and Linton McBurnie from BWS on 5 June at Kirkintilloch Police Station.

Bike patrols have already proved very successful on other stretches of the Forth & Clyde at Maryhill and Temple near the Anniesland district of Glasgow. Superintendent Dorrian from Strathclyde Police said: “This is an excellent example of how partnership working can enhance the quality of service and safety of persons within East Dunbartonshire. The police regularly patrol the canal footway and we have noticed a significant increase in the number of people using the canal area for recreation. I am delighted to accept these bikes which will give us the opportunity to respond quickly to areas that had previously been time consuming to reach.”

Linton McBurnie, who has many years of canal experience and has recently been appointed patrol officer for BWS said: “We want as many people as possible to come along and enjoy all the sailing, angling, walking, cycling and other leisure opportunities the Forth & Clyde has on offer. By working very closely with the police bike patrols and people living and working in the local communities we are confident that everyone will really take pride in their stretch of the canal. We want residents and visitors alike to enjoy a safe and relaxing environment."

Linton's role as patrol officer will not only involve working with the police to prevent or deal with graffiti, vandalism and other antisocial behaviour but will also involve him in community liaison, the management of community events and in responding to comments from visitors to the waterways.