POLICE have been reminded how to use handbrakes after the West Yorkshire Force totted up a repair bill of more than £10,000 because officers hadn't parked properly.
Figures released under a Freedom of Information request show there were seven incidents of officers failing to apply the handbrake when parking last year.
"The total cost to West Yorkshire Police was £10,558.33, this includes a third party repair costs of £1,192.40," said a West Yorkshire Police spokesman.
On one occasion an officer failed to apply the handbrake, left the automatic vehicle in drive and accidentally pressed the accelerator as he was getting out of the car. It hit bollards, damaging the bumper and bonnet.
Other damage included minor scuffs to paintwork and a dented boot and bumper when a vehicle rolled into a car wash.
The spokesman added: "Applying a handbrake forms part of the DVLA driving acquisition test, it is also incorporated into the current driving courses within West Yorkshire Police.
"There has recently been a Force wide communication to all staff and officers regarding the correct application of a handbrake."
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