Palmerston North Community Policing Officers are taking to the streets on two wheels to help keep the community safe.
The 'Cops on Bikes' initiative involves officers patrolling the community and the CBD on bicycles with the achieved outcome of greater contact with the public and enhanced approachability.
Sergeant Darren Paki of the Highbury Community Policing Centre says: "The initiative has received a positive response from communities in other Districts and it has also been effective in reducing crime."
"After hearing of the successes the bicycle patrols have had in Christchurch, Auckland, and Nelson we were keen to adopt the approach to increase community engagement and make us more accessible.
"Another appeal was that they are an easy to manoeuvre method of transport which will greatly assist us in deterring crime such as vehicle theft, disorder, and burglary which are areas of focus for the Palmerston North Police.
"We currently have two bicycles in action and as well as patrolling the community we will be using them as part of our upcoming Operation Unite activities and for events throughout the city.
"Having officers on bicycles will give us increased visibility and give the public greater accessibility to us when we are out and about.
"While it may take some people by surprise when they see us on bicycles, it's simply another way we can interact with the public," says Sergeant Paki.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Sara Stavropoulos on 027 702 0850.
