Pedal police in action
A DROP in the crime rate has been reported as the men and women of the Mount Road police station have taken on a new "two-wheeled" operation.
Forget the usual four-wheel transport, the police station's cycle unit, consisting of 10 members, can be seen patrolling the Mount Road, Newton Park, Greenacres and Perridgevale area.
Although the station had a cycle unit in place before, it was not an official operation, and did not have police members on the road every day. However, with the help of Brigadier John Lebok and Colonel Tony Nomdoe the operation is now in full swing.
The unit is under the direction and guidance of Warrant Officer Rigby Mitchell. Constable Ashwin Prins is the field police development officer. The unit consists mainly of police students. The eight students use this opportunity to get to know the area and the ins and outs of how the police service functions.
According to Mitchell, the advantage of the cycle unit is that they are silent compared to police vehicles and can approach without giving much warning to potential criminals.
"We can also avoid traffic and access many places that police members in vehicles may not be able to.
"It also contributes to the fitness of our police members," he said.
The unit, also fondly known by some as the "Peddle Police" officially kicked off on June 18 and were able to make their first arrest on their first day. They arrested someone committing motor vehicle theft in Perridgevale.
According to Mitchell, since then they have had several drug-related arrests as well as arrests for the possession of stolen property.
Mitchell and Prins are usually patrolling in a police vehicle close-by in case any of the Peddle Police need assistance.
The bicycles that are used, have either been sponsored or bought by the station.
If anyone would like to contribute cycle equipment, please contact the station.