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.