Dorset Police Tractor

Police in Dorset have unveiled their latest crime fighting tool - a 3.5 tonne tractor complete with blue flashing lights!

As part of Operation Countryside, the 85 horsepower Zetor Proxima will be used as a display to raise awareness of rural crime across the county at upcoming shows and events, including the Dorset County Show in Dorchester on Saturday 3 September 2011. 

Operation Countryside has been supported by the National Farmers Union (NFU), M J Fry Agricultural Engineering, Zetor UK,
NFU Mutual, the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) and Porter Dodson Solicitors & Advisors.

Dorchester and Sherborne Neighbourhood Inspector Les Fry said: “This tractor will be used as a demonstration
tool to raise awareness of rural crime in Dorset.The tractor has been supplied to us for free by Zetor UK, with no costs to Dorset Police or the tax payer. 

“We will be displaying it at shows and events in Dorset where we aim to engage with rural communities to make sure they do everything possible to reduce crime and make themselves less likely to become victims of rural crime.

“We hope this partnership will bring to the community’s attention the increasing cost of rural crime. “We want the support of rural communities to help combat criminals in their areas. Crimes such as theft of lead, scrap metal, heating oil and diesel are on the increase as fuel prices rise.

“Through Operation Countryside, we hope to encourage people to take all the crime prevention steps that they can, such as asset
marking and using tracking devices. “People should also consider installing CCTV where appropriate and sign up to initiatives such as Stop That Thief and Stop That Oil.

“We also want to encourage people to consider calling the police should they see any suspicious activity.

“I am grateful for the support of Zetor UK, the NFU, the NFU Mutual, CLA, M J Fry and Porter Dodson for their support.

“We hope that by working together we can reduce rural crime and make our communities safer and feel safer.”

Mike Fry, of M J Fry Agricultural Engineers, said: “Running a company with very close connections to the rural community, I
get to see first hand the cost involved both in financial terms and the loss of time related to rural crime.

 “A stolen battery means that vehicle cannot work when required. A stolen machine means that the farmer cannot do the job when he
needs to, so the knock on effects can be significant to the running of a business.

 “We are pleased to be part of this community initiative to highlight the issues behind rural crime.”