The Mint Hill Police Department will start a new bike patrol program, town commissioners said Thursday night. They have agreed to give up to $4500 to buy two bicycles, uniforms, shoes, bike racks and other equipment officers will need to patrol on a bike.

The move is the town's latest effort to save money on fuel. Starting last month police officers are required to spend at least two hours each shift on foot. The patrol will also put the officers closer to the citizens... on their level as it were. Patrolling in this manner will allow officers to move more slowly through Mint Hill neighborhoods where they visit, raising security, which has a long-term positive affect on property values.

The department has spent about 35% to 40% more each month in gas from February to April this year than during the same time period last year. They have a total of 25 patrol cars.

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