Police donate criminals' seized bikes to fellow frontline workers

Leicestershire Police has donated bikes to fellow frontline workers who are putting themselves at risk every day to serve others during the pandemic.

The force has donated 14 bikes seized from criminals but not claimed back by their owners, as part of the Leicester Bike Aid scheme run by the City Council.

Once refurbished the bikes will be offered to key workers, including those in the NHS, teachers and supermarket staff, to help with their daily commute and limit the use of public transport.

PC Ben Broad, who works as a neighbourhood officer in the Spinney Hill area of city, was the driving force behind the bike donations after being involved in a similar initiative to provide bikes to children in care.

The officer was contacted by Sustrans, a sustainable transport charity, to see if he could help with the scheme.

Bike accessories are also being donated along with the bikes, including reflective backpacks, jackets and bike locks.