Criminals using back alleys and trails to conduct illegal business better watch out, Mounties are kicking up their two-wheeled coverage of the city.
With summer in full swing, Burnaby RCMP officers are out patrolling high-crime areas on bicycles, which can be advantageous in situations where the element of surprise is needed, according to a media release from Burnaby RCMP.
Sgt. Steve Eagles oversees the police bike program. He believes bike patrols “are an effective tool in catching unsuspecting criminals who are usually looking for a police car.”
On bikes, officers can patrol areas not easily accessed by car, including parks, trails and alleyways, according to the release.
“On the community policing side of things it gives the officers a chance to stop and interact with members of the community we serve,” Cpl. Daniela Panesar, spokesperson for the Burnaby RCMP, said in the release. “A bike patrol officer is much more accessible to a citizen than a patrol car driving by. It sends a real positive message to the community when the bike patrols are so visible and engaged.”
