‘The only thing you’re catching in that is a cold!’ Police reveal super-charged all-terrain buggy designed to chase illegal ravers – which is mocked as ‘just a golf cart with a siren’
Rural police have unveiled their latest crime-stopping weapon – a super-charged ‘golf buggy’ designed to chase illegal ravers.
The cop cart, described as the first all-terrain transport of its type in the Cornwall region, is intended to tackle countryside crime in the hills of Bodmin Moor.
Police officers and volunteers said the four-wheel Kubota will patrol the landmark countryside area of over 80 square miles.
It is fully marked in police livery, has emergency lighting and a siren and it is equipped with binoculars and a thermal imager.
And one of its intended uses is to try and quash the sharp increase in ‘unlicensed’ music events on the moorland in recent years.
Devon and Cornwall Police reveal their latest secret weapon – a super-charged all-terrain buggy
The four-wheel Kubota will tackle countryside crime in the hills of Bodmin Moor in Cornwall
However, after the grand unveiling of the police buggy several members of the public mocked its potential effectiveness with one stating: ‘This is giving me Hot Fuzz vibes.’
Another joked: ‘It’s just a golf cart with a siren. The only thing you are catching in that is a cold.’
One member of the local community even joined in, saying: ‘Looks like a golf buggy crossed with a quad. Is this a wind up? Total waste of tax payers money.’
Despite the scepticism, Devon & Cornwall Police’s Rural Affairs Officer, PC Chris Collins, said: ‘We responded to an increasing number of incidents on Bodmin Moor during the past few years, which included unlawful encampments, antisocial behaviour and unlicensed music events.
‘In response, we looked for ways to enhance our community policing of the area.
‘We often overlook the fact that Bodmin Moor is mostly privately owned and managed, with many areas of common grazing land used for farming and livestock.
‘It is covered with designations such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest and access land and can be vulnerable to interference from unauthorised activity.
‘Inspired by conversations at the Royal Cornwall Show and advice from partners we’ve chosen this vehicle for its durability and its ability to access the most challenging parts of the countryside in all weather conditions.
‘This ATV will enable us to see and be seen by communities in villages and hamlets across the moor to support our communities no matter the weather or state of terrain.
‘We can remind people of the need to respect the countryside, livestock and communities in challenging situations where off road access may be the answer to life or death for an animal or person exploring the moor.’
The buggy has emergency lighting, a siren and it is equipped with binoculars and a thermal imager
Its funding was supported by a range of partners including the Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez.
She said: ‘Rural crime is a concern for many across our force area and can have a devastating impact on the livelihoods of those living and working in isolated communities, as well as on the precious habitats of our local wildlife.
‘By their very nature remote areas such as Bodmin Moor can be challenging to police, and so I am pleased to help fund this all-terrain vehicle which will prove a vital tool in keeping rural communities safe from criminal activity, as well as helping to safeguard livestock and wildlife, and ensure the land is protected for the lawful use and enjoyment of everyone.
‘Not only is this ATV an innovative resource for rural crime prevention, but technology including thermal imaging and the ability to navigate challenging terrain in harsh conditions will also prove invaluable in the search for people missing on the moor, and could make all the difference in saving someone’s life.’
