New police car 'shows commitment to county's rural area'

A NEW police vehicle has been purchased for use in rural areas of County Durham and Darlington.

The four-wheel drive Ford Kuga adds valuable extra capacity for officers in Teesdale, according to Durham Police.

The funding has been provided by Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg.

The chief officer for the special constabulary, Dale Checksfield, said: “Our volunteer special constables are very dedicated and this vehicle will really help them to cross challenging terrain in unpleasant weather”.

Chief Inspector Sue Robinson added “Durham Constabulary is strongly committed to protecting rural communities, where crimes tend to be different to those in urban settings. Strong, versatile vehicles are important tools to help us tackle crime on farms and in the countryside”.

Mr Hogg said: “Addressing crime and anti-social behaviour in rural communities continues to be a priority for me.

“I have been highlighting the importance to the constabulary of rural matters on social media, and on several visits to Teesdale and Weardale throughout Sept-ember.

“This new vehicle, and the recent opening of the quad-station at Barnard Castle, are important factors in delivering for residents of the most rural parts of the Durham Constabulary area.”