A South Devon farm and garden machinery dealership has joined forces with Devon and Cornwall Police's Rural Crime Team to help engage with farmers and to raise awareness about protecting valuable assets.

CR Willcocks have given officers use of a Polaris Ranger off-road utility vehicle (UTV) throughout the summer to help raise awareness about rural crime issues. The UTV, resplendent in police livery, will be used to accompany rural crime officers and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner's team at agricultural shows and events around Devon and Cornwall.

PC Martin Beck (Devon and Cornwall Police Rural Crime officer), Stephen Retallick (sales director at CR Willcocks) and PC Chris Collins (Devon and Cornwall Police Rural Crime officer)

A key objective of the partnership is that the public will be able to come and see the UTV, giving officers the opportunity to engage and not only raise awareness of preventative theft measures that can be taken with agricultural vehicles, but to also receive feedback on any rural crime issues.

"The police are grateful for the support CR Willcocks are offering in recognising the importance of tackling rural crime together in our rural communities," said PC Martin Beck, Rural Crime Officer. "The police cannot tackle rural crime alone and the more we can connect with people who live and work in agriculture and rural area the more we will understand how best to help and tackle rural crime. CR Willocks understands that, and utility vehicles and quad bikes are a valuable part of daily rural life."

Stephen Retallick, sales director at CR Willcocks, added, "Our utility vehicle in its police livery looks fantastic. It's currently in our yard and has been stopping customers in their tracks. They all want to know about it. It's a great conversation piece with a thought-provoking message."