New Holland Agriculture and local dealership, Ernest Doe, have teamed up with Essex Police Rural Engagement Team to support their rural crime reduction initiative.
The partnership has seen a T6.160 tractor loaned to the department which will attend agricultural shows and events around the region where the Rural Engagement team work to raise public awareness and drive the reduction of rural crime.
At the Ernest Doe Show at Ulting, Essex from February 7-9 2023, the tractor was a popular feature and the team spent time talking to attendees about how to best target resources. They also raised awareness of specific crime prevention tactics that farming and rural communities can take to keep their property, equipment and personal belongings safe.
Diary of events
Terry Balding, chief inspector of the Rural Engagement Team, said: “We are very grateful to New Holland Agriculture and Ernest Doe for the use of the T6 tractor, which has drawn a large number of visitors in the events that it has already been on display. We are building up a diary of events for our ‘Marked Police tractor’ throughout the Spring and Summer in Essex and the tractor is becoming a popular attraction alongside our Rural Police.
“I have already received enquiries about the T6 attending further events and I’m really keen to encourage interaction between Essex Police and members of the rural community. The tractor is definitely drawing the crowds with its distinctive Essex Police livery. Our officers will make the most of that interest by opening up conversations with them about crime prevention and criminal activity, which we know is under-reported by people in our rural communities. All this helps us to continue building the links with farmers, landowners and rural communities.
“We understand how the theft of a vehicle can affect livelihoods and businesses or leave people isolated. We understand how hare coursers can intimidate farm and estate workers and cause extensive damage to cropland. And we understand that there are many crimes which are unique to rural communities. We take all reports of crime and anti-social behaviour very seriously but we need them to be reported to us as soon as possible.”
New Holland’s Business Director UK and ROI, David Rapkins, said: “New Holland Agriculture is proud to support the Essex Police Rural Engagement Team with the supply of a New Holland, Basildon produced T6 tractor, which will assist the unit at various rural crime initiative events throughout Essex. We know how crime and anti-social behaviour impacts rural life, particularly our farming communities, so it is vitally important that, as an agricultural machinery manufacturer, we support the local constabulary in their efforts to raise awareness of crime prevention tactics and to encourage people to report crime and anti-social behaviour to them.”
Events
The tractor and the team will be attending a number of events this year including:
- March 10: launch of the Essex Rural Crime Strategy 2023-26, Layer Marney Tower CO5 9US
- April 30-May 1: All About Dogs, Hylands Park, Chelmsford CM2 8FS
- May 21: Essex Young Farmers Show, Boyton Hall, Boyton Hall Lane, Roxwell CM1 4LN
- June 7: Essex Police Rural Crime Forum, New Holland Agriculture, Cranes Farm Road, Basildon SS14 3AD
- July 8: Tendering Show, Bromley Road, Lawford, Manningtree, CO11 2NE
