Yakima Bike Patrols Resume This Weekend

Yakima Police say a focus on creating a more secure downtown last year has resulted in measurable results. Chief Dominic Rizzi says bike patrols in the downtown area that started last year have helped many people feel safer -- they've also helped prevent crime. And Rizzi says they'll be back starting this coming weekend.

“They’ll start on Friday night. And then off and on in May, and they’ll be starting full time in June," the chief says.

Rizzi adds that robbery and burglary numbers in the downtown area are down. Nine burglaries and four robberies were reported through November of 2013. That’s down from the 24 robberies and more than 10 burglaries in 2012.

Rizzi hopes the trends continue this summer when the bike patrols will be back in the downtown area.