The City of Fremantle in Western Australia is increasing community safety – on two wheels.
Council’s Community Safety Team recently introduced bike patrols to respond to low-level crime and anti-social behaviour.
The new bikes – purchased from a local Fremantle bike shop – will be used to patrol streets and parks, focusing on the city centre and South Beach.
Community Safety Team Leader Chris Scanlan said Fremantle was the first local government in WA to introduce bike patrols.
“With the bikes we can cover a much greater area and respond a lot quicker than we could on foot,” Mr Scanlan said.
“We can also get into the hidden and hard to reach places around the city that are difficult to access in a car.”
The Community Safety Team bike patrol will be conducting joint patrols with the successful Fremantle Police bike squad.
Senior Sergeant Brad Warburton from Fremantle Police said the joint patrols would further strengthen the partnership between the police and the City.
“The relationship between the City of Fremantle and Fremantle Police has never been stronger,” he said.
“Together we’re achieving some significant and positive results for the community.”
The new-look Community Safety Team, which was launched late last year, are the City’s first responders for low-level crime and anti-stocial or nuisance behaviour.
Eight team members patrol the Fremantle CBD and suburbs from 7am to 9pm every day of the week, and also respond to call-outs.
Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt said support for the Community Safety Team was part of the City’s ongoing commitment to keeping Fremantle safe.
“We want people to come to Fremantle to enjoy all the great things we have to offer, so it’s really important they feel safe while they’re here,” Mayor Pettitt said.
Other community safety initiatives include installing additional CCTV cameras around Paddy Troy Mall, Point Street and Cantonment Street, taking the total number of CCTV cameras around the city from 35 to 40 by the end of the year.
Lighting upgrades in Princess May Park and Pioneer Reserve are also planned.
