Sydney’s Leichhardt Police can lay claim to having what is arguably the cutest Police car on duty, in the shape of Fiat’s Bambino, the new Fiat 500. And, yes, the cynical among you may be wondering how it keeps up with V8 Commodores, or perhaps how many miscreants can be piled into the back seat?
The reality is, this particular squad car is reserved for community policing where its less-intimidating persona will assist in making the police who drive it more approachable, allowing them to pass on their road safety messages (among others).
“When it comes to visibility, the Fiat 500 has proven to be an exceptional car, attracting attention and interest like no other car we have used,” said Superintendent Wayne Cox, the Leichhardt Local Area Commander.
“With its primary role as providing a talking point from which we can discuss road safety and break down any barriers that may exist, the Bambino Police Car has attracted interest from all areas and all age groups.”
The Fiat 500 JTD is the latest in a series of cars that have been provided by Fiat and Alfa Romeo in Australia to various police forces. Fiat claims that the 500 JTD is Australia’s most economical car, and that means cheaper policing.
“This new Police Fiat will be used throughout our Command for community policing and is also a car for the community - who are able to invite the crime prevention officer Senior Constable James Riganias, from Glebe Police Station on 9552 8099 to attend events with the vehicle,” says Supt Cox.
Fiat’s General Manager in Australia, Andrei Zaitzev, sees the provision of cars to the police force as a practical and highly cost effective way for Fiat to play its role in ensuring a safer community.
“Fiat police cars are everywhere in Italy, of course, but not so common in Australia, and as Australia’s most economical car, the 500 JTD it also saves as much money as it attracts attention!” adds Mr Zaitzev.
The vehicle will be used for community policing by the Crime Management Team at Leichhardt Local Area Command. Leichhardt community members can expect to see the vehicle travelling to shopping centres; attending local schools and fetes; and at community events and festivals such as the Glebe St and Norton St Fairs.
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Have all ready seen this car on the road looks great & i agree it is most attractive police car on the road let alone the most economical one as well i thick there should be more of them as police cars in the inner city as they attract all walks of people young & old.
Very cool car, and it will suit the Leichhardt community with the many Italian restaurants, fit in perfectly.
aaww, how cute! but really, as a police car it brings a smile to my face, I’d love to see this bambino in a chase, would be awesome! Get some abarths in Police livery
Phillip i was thinking the same thing!
But I can see a use for small police cars in the city. I believe America and Australia/New Zealand still has to be the only country that uses big police cars in the city.
I’d love to hear it with one of those ‘Euro’ sirens too
If they have the Fiat 500 for the Italian community in Leichardt, how about the following?
Honda Civic for the Vietnamese community in Cabramatta.
Hyundai Tiburon for the Korean community in Strathfield.
A lot police on bicycles in the Cabramatta area. Not a cultural statement (would be Honda Cubs if that were the case) but anecdotal fact - a lot of alleyways.