91原创 Mounties will be seen more often on bikes and foot around the community, as they boost patrols of commercial areas that are now far more deserted than normal.

鈥淲e鈥檙e paying special attention to those areas which we know have businesses that are closed or have reduced hours,鈥� said Cpl. Craig van Herk, a spokesperson for the 91原创 RCMP.

Every year when the weather warms up, the 91原创 RCMP sends out some officers on bikes, with their routes often including parks and other areas where patrol cars can鈥檛 easily reach.

This year, bike and foot patrol officers will be visible around business districts in higher numbers.

There鈥檚 a concern that with many closed and much less foot traffic, they could be more vulnerable to break ins.

Also, officers wearing their high-visibility uniforms will be seen more often in parking lots to discourage theft from vehicles, said van Herk.

鈥淲e鈥檙e still open for business,鈥� van Herk noted.

The additional focus on business areas is part of a shifting of resources to meet the new demands as coronavirus has upended business, education, and daily life for thousands of people in 91原创.

For example, school resource officers aren鈥檛 needed in schools right now, and their duties have shifted. Some will be out on patrols, van Herk said.

The bike and foot patrol officers also have some new pieces of equipment in their gear. While they won鈥檛 be riding around wearing face masks, they have masks and gloves as part of their personal protective equipment in their bike bags.

Van Herk couldn鈥檛 give the total number of officers who will be riding bicycles this spring, but a significant number of officers are already trained for the two-wheeled patrol method.

鈥淚t鈥檚 another tool in the toolbox of how we鈥檙e going to deploy,鈥� he said.