Rural police have unveiled the latest weapon against crime - a super-charged 'golf buggy' designed to chase illegal ravers. The cop cart, described as the first all-terrain transport of its type in the region, is intended to tackle the hills of Bodmin Moor to combat countryside crime.
Police officers and volunteers said the 4-wheel Kubota will patrol Cornwall’s landmark countryside area of over 80 square miles. It is fully marked in police livery, has emergency lighting and a siren and equipped with binoculars and a thermal imager.
And one of its intended uses is to try and quash the sharp increase in 'unlicensed' music events on the moorland in recent years. But after the unveiling, several members of the public mocked its potential effectiveness with one stating: "It's just a golf cart with a siren. The only thing you are catching in that is a cold." Another said: "This is giving me Hot Fuzz vibes."
Despite the scepticism, Devon & Cornwall Police’s Rural Affairs Officer, PC Chris Collins said: “We responded to an increasing number of incidents on Bodmin Moor during the past few years, which included unlawful encampments, antisocial behaviour and unlicensed music events. In response, we looked for ways to enhance our community policing of the area.
"Inspired by conversations at the Royal Cornwall Show and advice from partners we’ve chosen this vehicle for its durability and its ability to access the most challenging parts of the countryside in all weather conditions. This ATV will enable us to see and be seen by communities in villages and hamlets across the moor to support our communities no matter the weather or state of terrain.
"We can remind people of the need to respect the countryside, livestock and communities in challenging situations where off road access may be the answer to life or death for an animal or person exploring the moor."
Its funding was supported by a range of partners including the Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez. She said "Rural crime is a concern for many across our force area and can have a devastating impact on the livelihoods of those living and working in isolated communities, as well as on the precious habitats of our local wildlife.
“By their very nature remote areas such as Bodmin Moor can be challenging to police, and so I am pleased to help fund this all-terrain vehicle which will prove a vital tool in keeping rural communities safe from criminal activity, as well as helping to safeguard livestock and wildlife, and ensure the land is protected for the lawful use and enjoyment of everyone.
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“Not only is this ATV an innovative resource for rural crime prevention, but technology including thermal imaging and the ability to navigate challenging terrain in harsh conditions will also prove invaluable in the search for people missing on the moor, and could make all the difference in saving someone’s life."
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