Police adopt tractor in crime fight
Lincolnshire Police's John Deere 6630 tractor will be used to fight crime
Friday September 03 2010
A police force has unveiled an unusual new tool in the fight against crime: its own tractor.
Lincolnshire Police's John Deere 6630 tractor is covered in police stripes, complete with a blue light on top.
The new vehicle has been unveiled for Operation Fusion, the force's drive to reduce "acquisitive crime".
It is hoped to be a crowd-puller at farmers' markets, auctions and events throughout September to highlight the fight against rural crime.
The idea for tractor came from chief inspector Phil Vickers, community safety officer in Lincolnshire Police's east division.
He said: "The tractor looks like a bit of fun but its purpose is to capture the public's attention and deliver the message that we take rural crime very seriously. We recognise that, when a working vehicle is stolen, it has a massive impact on businesses and livelihoods.
"However there are steps that individuals can take to reduce their chances of becoming a victim of rural crime and this month's initiative is all about making them aware of the deterrents available."
He said John Deere UK had allowed police to use the tractor free of charge, and the National Farmers' Union paid for the police stripes livery.
One aspect of the force's work has involved the National Farmers' Union to promote Smartwater DNA marking.
The tractor will also help highlight the Lincolnshire Farm and Country Business Watch, which tries to encourage people who live and work in the countryside to be more vigilant, share knowledge and reduce crime and vandalism by reporting anything suspicious.
Press Association
