- Retro cruising for young people a success
Mulgrave, Australia - Chrysler Jeep has provided a not so secret, yet
very effective weapon to both the South Australian and Victorian Police in the
campaign to foster the relationship between young people and the police.
Two retro-styled Chrysler PT Cruisers are on loan, one in each state, to the
Youth Advisory Units of the State Police Forces. Visiting events that draw young
people, the Cruisers generate a lot of interest and allow members from the force
to break down barriers and engage in positive interaction.
In South Australia a fitting midnight blue PT has been provided, while in
Victoria a bright tangerine model will assist in this worthy cause. When
combined with flashing lights and chequered decals the vehicles are hard to
miss.
The vehicle in Victoria, has been on loan for the past eleven months, and has
had an exceptional response. In South Australia the Cruiser will be officially
handed over to the South Australian Police Commissioner, Mr Mal Hyde, in the
coming weeks.
Mr Andy Walsh of the Victorian Police Youth Advisory Unit said the PT Cruiser
has proved popular with the young and old alike since its introduction to the
Victoria Police fleet in July and is an invaluable asset when it comes to
reaching youth.
“Victoria Police has trialled many concept vehicles in the past yet non have
attracted the attention and interest of the PT Cruiser. The opportunity to use
this fantastic looking car has proven to be an enormous success.
"When young people see this car they want to have a look inside and it means
a lot of kids, who would not otherwise talk to police, are standing around
chatting to our members in a relaxed situation. When you are dealing with young
people the tools have to be attractive and the Chrysler PT Cruiser certainly
fits the bill,” Walsh concluded.
Among many other activities the PT Cruiser has visited a camp for children
with cancer in Ballarat, been on display at the Royal Melbourne Show and visited
Blue Light Discos. The South Australian car will be used at similar activities
throughout the state, with the force also keen to travel to regional areas to
create better relationships.
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