Bike patrol wheels at Island

Newport Beach police patrol Fashion Island to thwart security problems.The beginning of the holiday season at Fashion Island in Newport Beach is signified by a flood of shoppers, the arrival of a giant Christmas tree, and ... police officers on bikes?

Starting the Friday after Thanksgiving, Newport Beach police geared up to handle the holiday crowds with a bicycle unit that patrols Fashion Island through Jan. 1.

“The bike patrol is a preventive tool,” said Newport Beach Police Sgt. Bill Hartford.

Although there hasn’t been an increase in crime at the shopping center over the holidays, the bike patrol officers serve as a deterrent for possible security issues, such as car burglaries and shoplifting, police said.

Jeff Munsell and Darrin Joe are two of five officers assigned to bike detail at Fashion Island. During a typical day patrolling, they will ride between 20 and 25 miles, Munsell said.

The officers wear black uniforms and have black, cross-country mountain bikes equipped with a miniature set of police lights and a high-pitched siren.

Police officers on bicycles have an advantage because they can sneak up on a car prowler in a parking lot more easily than a patrol car can, Munsell said.

“People don’t expect to see a police officer on a bicycle,” Joe said.

The bike patrol officers also work closely with loss prevention officials at various stores at Fashion Island, Munsell said.

Bill Rams, spokesman for the Irvine Company, declined to comment on specific details of Fashion Island security, but said the mall has a good working relationship with Newport Beach police.

“It’s just nice to have” the bike patrol,” Rams said.

The bike patrol officers are there not only to provide security, but also to be a liaison between the community and the police department, Hartford said. Officers answer questions and serve as a comforting presence for visitors.

The public has responded well to seeing bike patrol units at the mall, and seems to view police officers on bikes as less intimidating than police officers walking around or in patrol cars, Munsell said.

“People are real positive, saying they’re happy to see us here,” he said.20051201iqsr8cknDOUGLAS ZIMMERMAN / DAILY PILOT(LA)Newport Beach officer Darrin Joe rides through Fashion Island. The Police Department is patrolling the mall this holiday season.