September 6, 2017 4.40 pm This story is over 78 months old

‘Positive results already’: Lincolnshire Police introduce new rural crime technology

High-tech force: See the new equipment helping to tackle rural crime in Lincolnshire.
Image: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Lincolnshire Police have been demonstrating how new state-of-the art technology is being used to combat rural crime, celebrating the positive results and arrests equipment has already brought.

The force’s annual crackdown on rural crime, and in particular hare coursing, Operation Galileo was re-launched at RAF Metheringham Visitor Centre on Wednesday, September 6.

Police chiefs and leaders demonstrated new buggies, remote-controlled drones and vices, with the addition of new 4x4s later this month, providing better accessibility and surveillance.

Lincolnshire Police Chief Constable Bill Skelly explained how new technology helped with the arrest of three men in Braceby on September 5.

Three men arrested and dogs seized as Lincolnshire Police launch rural crime crackdown

Talking to The Lincolnite, Bill Skelly said: “We have already seen some positive results, we have seen arrests take place, even as recently as yesterday and the seizure of some of the equipment people are using, including dogs that we believe have been involved in hare coursing.

“We anticipate that [Operation Galileo] will improve as more officers become trained and become aware of what they can use the equipment for.”

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

At the launch, Lincolnshire Police showcased their new buggies in a demonstration of using the new drones to catch two volunteers hiding in a field.

Marc Jones, Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner, also confirmed that more equipment is on its way to tackle rural crimes across the county.

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

“We have got a fleet of 4×4 on order that will arrive this month, we have new buggies which will help get to inaccessible areas,” he said.