The station’s bike patrol is out and about, keeping eagle eyes on roads, laneways, bike paths and even stormwater drains.

And that, said Sgt Andrew Robertson, is the beauty of bikes: “We can go where cars cannot”.

A lack of resources put the patrol off the road but now its helmeted officers are back with their pedals to the metal.

It’s part of the plan to increase police presence at Lavington and in central Albury, particularly at the busiest times.

Sgt Robertson said shopping centre carparks during late-night shopping would be a focus to deter theft from cars. He said police on bikes could “sneak up” on offenders and follow them through areas cars couldn’t go.

Police on two wheels also nabbed many people committing traffic offences such as not wearing seatbelts and using phones while driving.

“It’s also good from a community point of view,” he said.

“People see you out and about and always want to stop and talk.”

It’s not as simple as just hopping on a bike — those on patrol have to complete a five-day course covering fitness, defensive riding, using weapons while on a bike, and bike maintenance.

And they update those skills with regular refresher courses.

“Most people think everyone knows how to ride a bike, but there’s a lot more to it than that,” Sgt Robertson said.

He hopes more officers will be trained to expand the existing four-strong patrol.

Click play on the video below to see the officers on patrol in Albury. (iPhone users go to video tab in menu)