Crime manager, Detective Inspector Andrew Evans, said the new team of six constables undertook the exacting NSW Police Bike Course training course after members of the station’s previous bike squad moved on to other duties or were transferred.
He says the cyclists are part of Auburn’s high visibility policing team and being on push bikes gives them the ability to respond more quickly to reports of crime.
“It gives us the ability to deploy and patrol into areas where police vehicles might not be able to easily access, such as residential and public car parks,” he said.
It was that speed and mobility during a patrol of a Lidcombe carpark last month, which helped them to spot a man who was allegedly behaving suspiciously and after a search of his car, they uncovered a replica pistol. The man was subsequently charged with possessing a prohibited weapon.
Det Insp Evans said the bike squad was also particularly effective in patrolling the Sydney Olympic Park precinct, especially during events involving large numbers of people such as the Easter Show where they are on duty each day.
“It’s also a good talking point with people,” he said.
“The guys on bikes are quite visible and as a result interaction with the public occurs more freely.”
