Bobby's behind the wheel

Oct 2 2009 by Stuart Wilson

GETTING a visit from the police isn’t normally something to cheer. But for communities around South Ayrshire, a vital service is ensuring law and order. Post reporter Stuart Wilson and photographer Alister Firth joined the mobile police unit on its daily patrol. And they found the village of Dunure lapping up the arrival of their reliable Bobby on the beat.

HE’S the friendly Bobby coming to a town or village near you.

PC Bell is on the beat – and the whole of South Ayrshire is his yard.

The veteran man of the law has served our streets for 28 years.

In that time, he’s seen his fair share of action.

Now it’s time for a slower pace of life – but policing remains top of his agenda.

Bobby is the latest officer behind the wheel of South Ayrshire’s mobile police unit.

It’s the vital safety net for communities up, down and around the coastline.

And the public can rest in the knowledge that their trusty constable is coming to a place near them.

PC Bell explains: “Personal contact is what it’s all about.

“The mobile office gives an assurance to the public that we have a presence in their towns and villages.

“Plus it gives people a confidence to speak to us. There’s still a reluctance from a lot of people to come and talk to police, but this technique of going to the people really works.

“They know when and where they can find me, and I’m available for a quick chat, which doesn’t have to be as official as going into a police station.”

Bobby is stepping into the shoes of PC Jim McGarry, who finally hung up his truncheon earlier this year.

Popular Jim had firmly established the mobile unit as a winner – and that’s a reputation Bobby wants to maintain.

He insisted: “This is the best job in Strathclyde Police.

“I spent 7½ years as a community policeman at Troon, and it was the best time of my career.

“Part and parcel of the job we’re in is to talk with people and listen to them – and to a degree we’ve lost that.

“This mobile unit builds links and works in exactly the same way as the mobile libraries, banks and post offices.

“We’re providing a service, and for the people of these communities that’s what matters.”