Atlanta police adds bike patrol units in Zone 2

ATLANTA — Atlanta police are stepping issues up a notch with extra private patrols to cease crime through the summer time. They’re including bike patrol models in Zone 2.

Reggie King has lived in Buckhead for eight years. He mentioned that he moved right here for the comfort of all the things: “I moved right here, as a result of it was a dwell, work and play space. It’s one of many issues that attracted me to this space.”

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However it’s no secret that Buckhead has seen its share of latest crime. Citywide, crime is up 8% this yr.

King mentioned it was nice information to listen to that Atlanta police are increasing their bike patrol models in Zone 2. “Man, I believe it’s an ideal concept, like I used to be saying earlier than, dwell, work and play. I like to stroll round this space, I wish to take walks, I wish to take walks to the entire buying facilities round right here, so elevated bike patrols, makes it even higher.”

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“We created it for the 211′s beats, which was Lindbergh Drive, Morosgo, Metropolis Markets space. We noticed a rise in crime, in that space, and so we had been in search of methods to cut back the crime within the space,” mentioned Atlanta Police Main Ailen Mitchell.

Mitchell mentioned that was why the police began the bike patrol unit and joined forces with MARTA police.

Channel 2′s Larry Spruill acquired an opportunity to experience with the bike patrol officers. He was capable of comply with them on a motorbike by way of Zone 2.

“Zone 2 is 28 sq. miles whole. We go from Howell Mill Street to 75, to Chesterfield and Piedmont, to all of Buckhead. So it’s a big zone,” Mitchell mentioned.

Spruill and the bike patrol officers began the bike route at Lenox Sq. Mall and rode to the Lindbergh space. Officers aren’t simply specializing in Zone 2. Not too long ago, Channel 2′s Larry Spruill had additionally informed you concerning the new bike unit patrol in Zone 1.

Mitchell mentioned these bike patrols are all part of changing into extra seen within the neighborhoods, and it’s working: “Final yr, it led to a 30% discount of crime in that space, so it’s very profitable. The bikes had been capable of get into areas the place vehicles couldn’t.”

Not too long ago, officers from the Zone 6 Crime Suppression Unit teamed up with APD’s Gang Unit to handle points within the 4th Ward and Edgewood Space. They arrested a number of individuals in Butler Park for drug offenses.

In the meantime, King mentioned a heavier police presence would result in a safer neighborhood: “The extra the higher. The extra bike patrols on this space, the extra individuals would need to stroll round.”

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