A leading South Devon farm machinery dealership has joined forces with Devon and Cornwall Police's Rural Crime Team to help with engaging with farmers and raising awareness about protecting valuable assets.
South Devon farm and garden machinery specialists, CR Willcocks, have given Devon & Cornwall Police's rural crime officers use of a Polaris Ranger off-road utility vehicle (UTV) throughout the summer to help raise awareness about rural crime issues. The UTV, resplendent in police livery, will be used to accompany rural crime officers and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner's team at agricultural shows and events around Devon and Cornwall.
A key objective of the partnership is that the public will be able to come and see the UTV, giving officers the opportunity to engage and not only raise awareness of preventative theft measures that can be taken with agricultural vehicles, but to also receive feedback on any rural crime issues.
"The police are grateful for the support CR Willcocks are offering in recognising the importance of tackling rural crime together in our rural communities," said PC Martin Beck, Rural Crime Officer with Devon and Cornwall Police. "The police cannot tackle rural crime alone and the more we can connect with people who live and work in agriculture and rural area the more we will understand how best to help and tackle rural crime. CR Willocks understands that, and utility vehicles and quad bikes are a valuable part of daily rural life."
Stephen Retallick, Sales Director at CR Willcocks, added: "Our utility vehicle in its police livery looks fantastic. It's currently in our yard and has been stopping customers in their tracks. They all want to know about it. It's a great conversation piece with a thought provoking message."
The Polaris Ranger utility vehicle in police livery will be on the stand with the Devon & Cornwall Police rural crime officers at the following agricultural shows:
Devon County Show* - Thursday 16th May to Saturday 18th May
Royal Cornwall Show - Thursday 6th June to Saturday 8th June
Liskeard Show - Saturday 13th July
Smithiams Show (Truro) - Monday 15th July
Cambourne Show - Saturday 20th July
Yealmpton Show - Wednesday 24th July
Launceston Show - Friday 25th July
Mid Devon Show - Saturday 27th July
Honiton Show - Thursday 1st August
North Devon Show (Umberleigh) - Wednesday 7th August
Okehampton Show - Thursday 8th August
Widecombe Show - Tuesday 10th September
Tavistock Goose Fair - Wednesday 9th October
* The UTV will be on the CR Willcocks stand at this show.
