THIS is the new weapon in the war against rural crime in Suffolk.
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.'
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here