Sydney Gets A Bambino Police Car!

SYDNEY, Australia – January 9, 2009: Sydney’s Leichhardt Police can claim to have what is probably Australia’s most visible Police car in the shape of Fiat’s Bambino, the new Fiat 500.

“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.” “Despite being marked up as a police vehicle, we don’t use the Fiat for normal police work,” said Supt Cox. “The Fiat is used for community policing, it’s a great way of building rapport between young people and police and certainly helps us get our safe driving messages through to car enthusiasts." “The Fiat frees up normal police cars so they can be out on the roads, not only helping to save lives but also helping to fight crime.”

“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.

The Fiat 500 JTD is the latest in a series of cars provided by Fiat and Alfa Romeo in Australia to police forces to help fight crime and save lives. As Australia’s most economical car, the Fiat 500 JTD Police Car is also saving money.

“We are delighted to be able to assist Australian police forces with the provision of cars for their road safety and crime prevention work,” says Andrei Zaitzev, General Manager for Fiat in Australia. “We see this as practical and highly cost effective way that we can play our role in a safer community for everyone. Our cars assist the Police in making contact with a wide range of people so they can discuss and offer help with road safety and crime prevention, as well as providing the practical assistance of transport. We believe that this is a very positive role that we can play in the 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.