Batemans Bay became one of the first country areas to introduce bicycle patrols recently when they received two mountain bikes funded by the Batemans Bay Chamber of Commerce.

The bicycles, purchased from Sport Scene in Orient Street, will be used for patrols around the central business district, industrial area and car parks. Police bicycle patrols have achieved a good measure of success in other areas in detecting and arresting offenders, particularly with regard to property theft and break and enter offences.

Constable Craig Trevallion, a keen mountain bike rider in his spare time, examined the use of bicycles in other police areas and suggested establishing similar patrols in Batemans Bay.

The bicycles will enable police to get to areas quickly and quietly as well as giving police access to areas where cars cannot go, such as alleyways. Apart from policing property theft, bicycle patrols have the advantage of raising police profile, particularly during busy holiday periods.

The police on bicycle patrol will wear distinctive uniforms with protective equipment and clothing.

Sportscene proprietor John Pemmer and Batemans Bay Chamber of Commerce president Heath Pike presented two mountain bikes to Batemans Bay police so bicycle patrols could commence. On hand to receive the bikes were Inspector Rick Mawdsley and two police officers who will be doing bike patrols - Senior Constable Cynthia Pearson and Constable  Craig Trevallion.