Tractor to help fight rural crime in Suffolk

Chris Chivers, of Ernest Doe, sits in the cab of the tractor that was officially launched by Assistant Chief Constable Paul Marshall. The Police Tractor that will be used to raise awareness of rural security throughout the county. Archant

THIS is the new weapon in the war against rural crime in Suffolk.

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The tractor, covered in Suffolk Police’s livery and sporting flashing lights, will help highlight steps designed to protect property in rural areas.

It is hoped the Case IH tractor, provided free of charge by the local Ernest Doe branch at Marlesford, will act as a hook to attract the attention of members of the public at trade shows, county fairs, farmers markets and rural events during 2012 – including the Suffolk Show.

Police are also launching a new booklet, Shutting the gate on rural crime, which is designed to give advice to land and home owners on general security, as well as information on how to deter fly-tipping, illegal off-roading and metal and diesel thefts. The booklet also carries some useful contact information.

David Kane, of Suffolk Police’s crime reduction team, said: “Officers cannot tackle rural crime without the co-operation and support of communities.

“Policing in rural areas brings some very specific and unique challenges, with the distances involved and the isolated nature of some communities sometimes leading to a sense of vulnerability and a heightened fear of crime.”