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News from the Shoreditch Cycle Squad

by Anthony Moore
Metropolitan Police Force
London, UK

Ed's note: The Shoreditch Cycle Squad (SCS) is a part of London's Metropolitan Police Force, which has increasingly been incorporating cycle patrol in daily operations. This series of stories underscores the bicycle's role in both combating crime and improving community relations. IPMBA congratulates them on their continued success.

One of the many benefits of patrolling on a mountain bike is the officer's heightened awareness of sounds and smells. Shoreditch cycle patrol officers noticed a strong aroma of cannabis in the vicinity of an area of light industrial units and office blocks. Their diligent enquiries traced the source of the smell to a three storey office block. Noting that the insides of the second floor windows were covered with polythene, they concluded that it was likely the site of a cannabis factory. They submitted the information via the CRIMINTsystem (Criminal Intelligence Report) and liaised with the Drugs Focus Desk at Stoke Newington Police Station. A warrant was obtained and executed. Inside the premises was a sophisticated cannabis growing factory with plants ranging from seedlings to approximately 1000 fully grown mature specimens. Two Vietnamese males were arrested at the premises and later charged.

Following an armed robbery at a jewellers, in which the shop owner received multiple stab wounds, officers from the SCS commensed a thorough search of the nearby streets and estates. The suspect was described as wearing a Postman's uniform. Within minutes, the officers were flagged down by a member of the public, who explained that a man had just run through the housing estate, discarding clothing. The officers investigated and found both a postal uniform and a large, bloodstained knife. They were then able to circulate an updated description of the suspect to other units, and he was stopped and arrested approximately half a mile away. This work demonstrates the ability of police cyclists to search an area quickly and intensively as well as the benefits of their very high visibility uniform.

In response to a series of robberies perpetrated by teenage females on adult females, the SCS were patrolling the area where these offences had taken place. They heard a female screaming, quickly located her, and saw that she was injured. She explained that she had been robbed by a group of teenage girls who had punched her in the face despite the fact that she was holding her baby in her arms. The SCS officers quickly 'starburst' into the surrounding area and moments later located the suspects about ¼ of a mile away. One of these was positively identified, searched and found to be in possession of a knife, and arrested. Later, in interview, this girl named all her associates and admitted involvement in earlier similar offences. Their arrests brought an immediate halt to robberies in the locality. The use of police mountain bikes facilitated the rapid search of a wide area.

SCS officers noticed a vehicle containing five males, all of whom were bulkily and unseasonally dressed. In addition, none were wearing seatbelts and the vehicle had no tax disc (sticker) displayed. The officers attempted to stop the vehicle, which immediately mounted the footway and drove off at high speed. The officers pursued and temporarily lost sight of the vehicle before locating it on a nearby estate. They managed to stop four of the occupants and found that they were all wearing ballistic body armour. With the assistance of further units they secured the males and searched the vehicle. Two large hunting knives, drugs and a stolen credit card were recovered.

Late one night, several SCS officers saw two young males riding an unlit BMX bike. After pursuing them for a half-mile into an estate, they managed to stop them. One of the males made off, but he dropped an object in a white sports sock. It was a loaded firearm. The male was traced and arrested a short time later.

The members of the Shoreditch Cycle Squad do not just fight crime. They also promote positive interaction between police and the public. As part of their efforts, the officers from the SCS volunteered to take part in a pioneering community contact forum titled 'Trading Places' in response to community concerns around the police use of Stop & Search powers. A meeting was organised where a group of young people would have the opportunity to discuss this issue with police and participate in practical role plays to build understanding. Initially the young people were displayed their nervousness through hostile comments and challenges. However, by actively listening to their concerns and displaying an open attitude, the SCS were able to build rapport with the young people and learn how to allay their fears.

As the above incidents indicate, there is little doubt that the seven bike officers under the command of Sergeant Matt Devereau are cutting a swath through the criminal fraternity in the Borough of Shoreditch.

© 2005 IPMBA. This article appeared in the Winter 2005 issue of IPMBA News.