SWAN Hill police have a new look, with officers set to hit the beat on two wheels instead of four from this weekend following the launch of the station’s bicycle squad.
Constables Sarah Oliver and Lincoln Frost are one half of the four-member squad, who will now patrol a variety of areas within the local government area, with an aim to increase community safety.
Swan Hill Senior Sergeant Brad Bennett said the squad would also play a preventative role, as a way to drive down anti-social behaviour, theft from motor vehicle and property damage.
The squad is a result of a partnership between police and Swan Hill Rural City Council, who contributed $4000 towards the bicycles.
Victoria Police committed approximately $12,000 towards the training of the four members, fitting them out with safety and riding equipment.
Snr-Sgt Bennett said the initiative wouldn’t be going ahead without support from council.
“They will be on the road from this weekend, they won’t be out everyday, but they will be targeting specific events, festivals and holidays in addition to patrolling the CBD, car parks and along the river,” he said.
“The aim will be to drive down shop theft and anti-social behaviour.
“They will also be going out to Lake Boga and Robinvale, wherever something is happening.”
Snr-Sgt Bennett said while the squad was more about a “friendly face” than enforcement, officers are outfitted with the standard equipment and are able to make arrests.
“Back up will be provided if an arrest is made, they will have radios and all the normal equipment, including hand cuffs and can call back to the station,” he said.
Snr-Sgt Bennett said the station was “just trying something a little bit different” in an effort to curb crime in the local area.
With officers on the bikes able to access different areas than the standard patrol vehicle, Snr-Sgt Bennett said it was expected the squad could impact on the frequency of a number of offences.
“This will be aimed at anything that is impacting us, so at the moment that’s property theft, theft from motor vehicle and burglaries,” he said.
“We have the data, we know where these incidents are occurring and the squad will be operating in those areas.
“It’s also about visibility, along the riverfront, in the caravan parks, so that people can feel safe coming to Swan Hill.”
Swan Hill Rural City Council mayor Ann Young welcomed the launch of the new squad.
“Council has funded the purchase of two bicycles for Victoria Police in Swan Hill,” she said.
“We see this partnership as a great community safety initiative, giving trained local police officers a greater presence within our community.
“The patrol area will include urban areas including Robinvale, Swan Hill and Lake Boga.
“The officers will be targeting special events and holiday periods.”
