Derbyshire Police has unveiled its latest weapon against tackling rural crime — a tractor complete with flashing blue lights that can reach speeds of 25mph.
The force is using the farmyard machinery, which also features blue and yellow livery, as part of their initiative against countryside crime.
It is hoped the ‘police tractor’ will help deter criminals by using it as an ‘engagement tool’ at local shows and events.
But not everyone is so keen, as some members of the public have accused the force of wasting time and resources on a ‘PR stunt’.
Sergeant Chris Wilkinson said: ‘Whilst the tractor won’t be ploughing through streets on a police chase, or transporting people to ‘cow-study’, it’s already been a huge hit for the summer shows.
‘This gives us the opportunity to talk to members of the farming and countryside community about how to protect their properties and how we can help.
‘We’ve also been talking to the general public about respecting their surroundings and keeping safe whilst out and about.’
The Derbyshire Rural Crime Team, which tackles rural, wildlife and heritage crime, has been loaned the Valtra tractor by local dealership B&B Tractors.
But some have accused the force of wasting time and resources on a ‘flashy gimmick’ and a ‘PR stunt’.
After asking members of the public to come up with a name for the tractor, some took to social media to express their dismay instead.
One person commented: ‘Good to see the tax payers money going to tackling crime……oh wait, it’s going on Farmer Freds show run.’
Another added ‘Nothing more than a flashy gimmick’ and a third wrote: ‘Not sure what this or how it would help.’
One person said: ‘I know its been loaned but this will still surely cost money to run and just looks like a pointless PR stunt to me.’
Others were more complimentary, however, with one saying: ‘Spotted it driving through Staveley 3/4 weeks ago. Looked fab, my 11 year old was amazed!’
Another put: ‘Great initiative with the police tractor for community engagement.’
One commented: ‘Looks good, a great idea. For those moaning, why do you come on here? And it’s been loaned by a supplier – as it clearly states.’
But Derbyshire Police defended use of the tractor as an ‘eye-catching’ way to engage with communities.
Sergeant Chris Wilkinson from the force’s Rural Crime Team said: ‘As a force we regularly engage with our communities and are always looking for new methods and ways to reach people.
‘The rural crime team attend many events across Derbyshire to speak to communities about the issues affecting them and also to offer crime prevention and security advice.
‘When we were offered the use of this tractor for free on a short-term basis, we felt it would be a fantastic and eye-catching opportunity for us to help gather attention at the many events we will be attending over the summer.
‘It is hoped that people will see the tractor and come and talk to our officers to find out more about the wide range of issues the rural crime team deals with, and how everyone can enjoy the Derbyshire countryside safely and securely.’