POLICE have moved up a gear in the fight against crime in the south of Hartlepool.

Officers who look after the Owton, Rossmere and Seaton areas of the town, have a new addition to their crimebusting armoury in the shape of two top-of-the-range cycles.

The bright yellow bikes were donated by Tackling Crime Together, a scheme funded by the Owton Rossmere Single Regeneration Budget Partnership.

Comprised of local voluntary organisations, the police and Hartlepool Borough Council, Tackling Crime Together funds projects aimed at reducing crime or the fear of crime.

These can range from funding dusk-to-dawn lighting outside homes, to helping organise activities to keep youngsters occupied and out of trouble.

Julie Newlove, project assistant for the scheme, said: "Similar cycles are already being used by the police elsewhere in Hartlepool and have proved very effective.

"The bikes will give the beat officers greater flexibility in moving swiftly around the area to prevent and tackle crime."

Sergeant Chris Pendlington, of Hartlepool Police, said: "It is an excellent opportunity for officers to meet the community in which they serve."

The bikes, which have police markings, were supplied at a reduced price of £300 each by Facchini Cycles and Motor Scooters of Hartlepool