PC Hemmings has been trying out patrols on two wheels over recent months, and police chiefs are so impressed they’ve ordered him to go full time.

The scheme’s already in use in other parts of Berkshire, and PC Hemmings says he can chase offenders across parks and towpaths if needs be.

He said: “Being on the bike gives me the best of both worlds as I am far more mobile than when on foot yet much more approachable than when in a patrol car.

“I aim to be proactive and to be flexible in my working hours – doing night shifts and plain clothes work – in order to tackle a number of offences. I am able to patrol areas such as the canal towpaths and local parks easily, the bike gives me the advantage of a silent approach and I am able to remain closer to the public whilst still being able to cover large distances.

“I would like to think that this idea will be expanded and eventually the cycle patrol team will grow.”

Insp Peter Oliphant, who runs policing for Newbury and Thatcham, sees this as the beginning of a new angle in community policing.

“We have seen the success of teams of officers patrolling on bikes in Slough and Oxford and really there is no reason the same approach will not be as successful here.

“It is early days at the moment, but have no doubt that Gary will be a real asset to his colleagues. He will contribute greatly to tackling issues such as anti-social behaviour, shoplifting and other crime within the towns.”