Police force unveils its latest weapon against crime.... a tractor?

The long farm of the law: Police force unveils its latest weapon against crime - a....TRACTOR?

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 9:56 AM on 3rd September 2010

DCI Gene Hunt would have a few choice words to say if he had to fire up this instead of his Quattro.

With a top speed of 25mph, it would hardly be the wheels of choice for a Life on Mars detective and would be hard-pressed to catch anything – let alone a getaway car.

Even so, Lincolnshire Police hope this five-ton tractor could help bring criminals to justice.

Crops and robbers: The 25mph tractor has been fitted with a flashing blue light in case of high speed chases

The John Deere 6630, complete with distinctive blue and yellow livery, is being used for Operation Fusion, the force’s initiative against rural crime.

It will appear at agricultural shows to encourage farmers to ‘tag’ their own tractorswith Smartwater, a liquid produced in unique batches that can be seen under UV light to identify the owner.

With a whopping price tag of £50,000, not including the custom paint job, the force can count itself lucky that it is being loaned the tractor by the manufacturer.

The tractor has been kitted out with a flashing blue light, police stripes and badges. The force will have to pay its running costs. 

Although serving a rather passive role on a day-to-day basis, senior officers think it might come in handy in the event of severe flooding or an environmental disaster.

CSI Ambridge: The main purpose of the rustic Z-car will be to spearhead the launch of Operation Fusion - an initiative against agricultural crime

Chief Inspector Phil Vickers, who came up with the idea, 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.

‘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.’

The cost of altering the vehicle’s standard green livery was paid for by the National Farmers Union following a year in which the value of tractor thefts soared as many were stolen to order for delivery to Eastern Europe and Russia.

More than 2,000 tractors worth £42million were stolen last year, up by a third on 2008. 

An NFU spokesman said: ‘Tractors and farm 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.’