August 25, 2017 9.08 am This story is over 79 months old

See the new four-wheel-drive quad bikes Lincolnshire Police will be using to tackle rural crime

The 800CC bikes will be deployed across the county.
The force has purchased two quad bikes to help tackle rural crime

Lincolnshire Police have purchased two new quad bikes as part of a crackdown on rural crime in the county.

The 800CC four-wheel-drive bikes will be deployed across the county to respond to hare coursing and other rural crimes.

The bikes will help the force track and detain criminals as police officers use them to tackle even the most challenging terrains at speeds of up to 50mph.

The quad bikes are just one part of a co-ordinated crackdown on countryside crimes which will also see 4x4s, police drones, night vision goggles and dog chipping detectors put to use.

Deputy Chief Constable Craig Naylor said: “These vehicles are a fantastic and game-changing addition to our fleet – they will give our officers a much better chance of catching criminals in the countryside.

“Those that live in the countryside will understand the pain and suffering caused by hare coursing, the despair at thefts of farming machinery and the distress at vandalism to heritage sites.

“These crimes will not be tolerated and our investment over the summer means we are ready to catch and prosecute those responsible.”

Lincolnshire Police Chief Constable Bill Skelly

Police and Crime Commissioner Marc Jones added: “These new vehicles give our frontline officers the capability to apprehend criminals wherever they are and will be a crucial tool in the fight against crime.”

Superintendent Mark Housley, force lead for rural crime, said: “Previously there have been farm tracks that we haven’t been able to tackle in police cars.

“Lincolnshire has many of these and you can actually get from Boston to Cambridgeshire without using a road.

“There is now no escape for hare coursers. Along with our new 4×4 vehicles, these quad bikes will mean we can go off-road safely and at speed.”