Following the success of a fully liveried tractor, used to promote crime reduction messages at events, Suffolk Constabulary has a new addition to its fleet. The force has again teamed up with the Ernest Doe branch at Marlesford to take an unusual new vehicle on tour in 2013.

After a year of being used at events including the Suffolk Show and rural fairs across the county, the tractor has now been returned, to be replaced with a fully-liveried all-terrain vehicle.

Like the tractor, the new vehicle will not be used for patrols but is purely promotional and has been provided free of charge by Ernest Doe with the aim of attracting public attention at shows and events so important messages about crime reduction can be highlighted.

The company has provided Suffolk Constabulary with a Cushman 1600XD-R All-Terrain Vehicle produced by Ransomes Jacobsen to assist in raising the profile of steps that can be taken to prevent rural crime within the county.

The liveried vehicle with blue flashing lights will act as a hook to attract the attention of members of the public at trade shows, county fairs, farmers markets and rural events throughout 2013.

The vehicle will help raise awareness of issues around metal, diesel and equipment thefts as well as burglaries, by providing an opportunity to engage with residents to make sure everything possible is being done to reduce rural crime and lower the chances of individuals and landowners becoming victims.

Paul Marshall, Deputy Chief Constable for Suffolk, said: “Officers cannot tackle rural crime without the co-operation and support of communities and businesses. 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.”