A NEW new 4x4 vehicle has become part of Warwickshire Police's arsenal in its quest to tackle rural crime and take part in local initiatives across the south of the district.

The new marked police vehicle, a high performance, all terrain Mitsubishi L200 model has the capability to access remote and challenging areas that may have previously been more challenging to access.

The impact of rural crime on local communities is a serious issue across the UK and a recent rural crime survey estimated the value to be in excess of £800million.

Warwickshire Police are working in partnership with Warwickshire Rural Watch to combat rural crime and have recently launched the campaign 'Rural Matters' to reinforce the police's commitment to the rural community.

Force rural crime lead Superintendent Sue Thomas said: "Crime in rural South Warwickshire can range from wildlife crime and poaching, to theft of farm machinery and equipment. The 4x4 vehicle will allow us to get to remote crime scenes as well as engage with our rural communities living in areas that are difficult to access.

"We are working hard to ensure that the people of Warwickshire are confident that we are working hard to prevent rural crime and that if people are affected, they can report it and appropriate action can be taken.”

Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Ball added: “The new 4x4 vehicle will be a great assistance for Safer Neighbourhood Teams across the area as they engage with rural communities, so I am pleased to see it now available for use.

“Ensuring that people in all areas can have access to policing is a key part of my Police and Crime Plan, as is tackling rural crime. The new vehicle will play an invaluable role in increasing the visibility of officers in rural areas, while also ensuring they can get out into the countryside, including to areas that might have been more difficult to reach with traditional vehicles.