The team behind the police helicopter have defended the launch of NPAS Redhill for a stolen motorbike explaining that a police chase is far safer carried out via air than road.
The chopper was up over the city twice yesterday – first for a motorbike stolen from Providence Place, Brighton, and then to help with a bike pursuit where the rider jumped off.
Some people on social media questioned why the helicopter, which costs thousands of pounds to launch, was asked to help out.
Responding to questions as to why the helicopter was launched for a relatively minor crime, the NPAS Redhill Twitter account explained: “It’s more about the offender than the individual bike.
“Repeat offenders cause misery for many. Also dangerous riding of motorbikes safety risk for the rider and wider public. We are by far the safest option if a pursuit develops as a cop car behind can increase pressure to ride more dangerously but we can follow from a distance.”
In the first incident, a red Honda bike was taken by a man believed to be in his 20s riding with no helmet. The helicopter was called to help trace the bike. It has not been traced at this stage.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting serial 522 of 26/11.
In the second, a 17-year-old boy from Brighton was arrested in St Aubyn’s Road, Hove at around 2.35pm on Thursday, November 26, after a pursuit which was also joined by the Sussex Police dog unit.
He was arrested for driving dangerously, driving with no licence, or insurance, drug driving, theft of vehicle and failing to stop.
26/11 1430 Second #Brighton motorbike job. Pursuit then male ran off and jumped into gardens. Search with @sspoldogunit. Located. Arrested.
— NPAS Redhill (@NPAS_Redhill) November 26, 2015
