POLICE in Consett and Stanley are now patrolling on bikes.
Durham Constabulary has spent £3,000 on bicycles and safety equipment for four officers.
PC Andy Froggatt said: "It means we can be visible and cover a greater distance in our beats.
"It is going back to the old days, when bobbies had a push bike.
"This is just another way of getting around and there are a lot of cycle paths in the area where we have problems with youth nuisance."
PC Froggatt and PC Jacklyn Fenwick will patrol Consett, while PC Dave Clark and police community support officer Malcolm Barnes will patrol Stanley. They have taken part in a half-day cycling proficiency course to help them master their new machines.
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