With a Broads Authority (BA) registration number 999 there is no mistaking the role of the latest craft to be launched on the River Yare at Brundall.

Norfolk Constabulary's Broads Beat team today showed off their new £30,000 inshore launch which will spearhead a winter crackdown on marine theft.

Team leader Insp Danny Kett said: 'Our old inflatable was coming to the end of its life and it was far from ideal for patrolling the rivers being open to the elements and having quite a high-powered engine that did not run well at the restricted speeds on the Broads.'

The new boat, an Orkney Pilot House 20, has been funded out of the business and BA sponsorship that pays for the Broads Beat team's special equipment.

Insp Kett said: 'It has a cabin which makes it far better for patrols during the winter and at night.

'A whole community still lives on the rivers after the summer holidaymakers have gone home and they depend on policing throughout the year.'

He said their focus during the winter would be catching diesel thieves and tackling petty theft from boats.

'Theft of outboard motors can be a problem and the thieves sometimes badly damage the boats taking them off,' he said.

The boat, which has flashing blue lights, will be based at Hoveton police station but can be moved quickly by trailer to any part of the Broads network.

Adrian Vernon, the BA's head of ranger services, said the new boat would be a tremendous asset for the police and the support they gave to the BA rangers.

He said: 'This summer the really hot weather resulted in some anti-social behaviour that was way beyond what the rangers could deal with on their own.

'The fact the police can be out on a boat really helps us on a summer's day.'