mc_squared Posted September 2, 2010 Share Posted September 2, 2010 The long farm of the law: Police force unveils its latest weapon against crime - a....TRACTOR? By Daily Mail Reporter Last updated at 7:18 PM on 2nd September 2010 Comments (69) Add to My Stories A rural police force has unveiled its new squad car - a blue and yellow tractor which boasts a top speed of 25mph and comes complete with a flashing blue light. The John Deere 6630 has been liveried in police stripes and badges and modified with a blue light taken from a standard police van. It was unveiled today by Lincolnshire Police to spearhead the launch of Operation Fusion - an initiative against agricultural crime. Crops and robbers: The 25mph tractor has been fitted with a flashing blue light in case of high speed chases The tractor will be displayed at shows to highlight police work but could also be used in the event of severe flooding or an environmental disaster. The vehicle the brainchild of Chief Inspector Phil Vickers, of Lincolnshire Police, who said there is a 'serious message' behind the scheme. He said: 'I have taken the tractor out for a spin and it does require some skill to control, so all credit to the guys who do this for a living.' More... High tech driving aids required for the 'Keystone Kops' who have forgotten how to parkPolice chief says 'I need to axe 1,500 jobs' to meet Government cutbacks 'The tractor looks like a bit of fun but there is a serious message behind it - that we take rural crime seriously and want to work closely with our local communities.' 'At this time of year agricultural crime can have a big impact on farmers because if a tractor is stolen people can lose their jobs or livelihood.' 'That's why we are trying to make people aware of all the deterrents that are available and encouraging farmers to avoid becoming victims by tagging their vehicles.' CSI Ambridge: The main purpose of the rustic Z-car will be to spearhead the launch of Operation Fusion - an initiative against agricultural crime The 150bhp tractor, which weighs around eight tonnes, is worth £50,000 and has been lent to Lincolnshire Police by its manufacturers John Deere UK. The cost of altering the tractor's livery, from green to yellow, blue and white reflective stripes, was paid for by the National Farmer's Union. Police hope the vehicle will highlight the rise in agricultural crime and encourage farmers to 'tag' their vehicles with Smar****er, which can be seen under UV light. The John Deere, which was completed on Wednesday, could also be used in the event of an environmental disaster, such as a flood or earthquake. NFU's regional director, Richard Hezlet, has warned farmers to 'remain vigilant' against agricultural thieves. He said: 'Farm tractors and implements seem to be at the top of thieves' shopping lists at the moment, so NFU is delighted to support Lincolnshire Police in its drive to make farmers aware of how they can better protect their farms.' 'Our advice, as always, is to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to the police.' 'We must help them by being their eyes and ears in the countryside and by making Lincolnshire a no-go area for thieves.' P.S. And here are some other ways police are fighting crime in the UK... Upstanding: An officer in Lancashire gets some funny looks as he rides around Blackpool on a Segway Fast: An officer from the Sussex force rides a three-wheeled Can-Am Spyder Roadster touring trike. It has a top speed of 125mph and a 0-60mph acceleration of just 4.5 seconds - the same as a Porsche 911 Carrera The long blade of the law: Royal Parks police patrol Kensington Gardens, London, on rollerblades ...and around the world Flashy: Italy's most senior officer Antonio Manganelli - famed for hunting down Mafia dons - drives this 200mph Lamborghini Gallardo Buggies on the beat: Italian Police in charge of protecting the area around the Vatican use a 'Lamborghini Street Model' cart Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1308297/Police-force-unveils-latest-weapon-crime--John-Deere-tractor.html#ixzz0yPc3TLUi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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