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Bike patrols for CBD (Ipswich)

By Rebecca Lynch, Queenlsand Times

 

IPSWICH police officers are hopping on their bikes to help keep crime rates down in the CBD.

Ipswich Police have added bicycle patrols to enhance community safety.
Pictured (from left) are constables Jess Lynch, Pru Martin, and Zoe Baggelaar.

IPSWICH police officers are hopping on their bikes to help keep crime rates down in the CBD.

Nine officers will swap patrol cars for bikes to work the beat around the Ipswich City Mall, laneways and other CBD areas.

Officer in Charge of Ipswich Station Senior Sergeant Laurie Shevlin said the new patrols would help police to respond quickly to incidents in the CBD.

"A lot of places in the CBD you can't get to in a car - laneways and alleyways for example, so we'll be able to respond to those incidents in those areas faster," Snr Sgt Shevlin said.

"We aim to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in our community.

"Police on bikes will be a visible deterrent around the CBD."

He said the patrols would also assist in breaking down the boundaries between police and the community.

"It's also about interaction with the community and being more approachable," Snr Sgt Shevlin said.

"Hopefully the residents, shoppers, visitors and workers will feel an increased level of personal safety and security seeing the police ride through the area regularly."

Snr Sgt Shevlin said the officers would gather valuable intelligence while interacting with residents and business people.

He said officers patrolling on bikes had already helped to apprehended offenders for a string of burglary offences by responding swiftly and establishing a tight cordon around crime scenes.

Snr Sgt Shevlin said Ipswich police had the capacity to conduct patrols around the clock, but they would be based on need.

"The officers won't be conducting bike patrols on every shift they do, but we're looking at expanding our capabilities and training more officers," he said.

Mayor Paul Pisasale said the patrols would deliver an important community service and further establish a police presence in the CBD.

"About a month ago I wrote to the police commissioner asking about how we can improve community safety in the CBD, and this is the result - it's great" Mr Pisasale said.

"When you're in a patrol car you can't stop and talk to people, but you can when you're on a bike.

"Crime rates are down, so it's about being on the front foot and keeping them down."

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Dated - 09.02.2012