Crimefighting picks up traction

Senior Constable Jude Clifton with Rotorua's newest crimefighting vehicle. Photo / Stephen Parker

Rotorua police have been turning heads with their latest vehicle - but do not expect to see a full fleet.

New Zealand's only police tractor has been in the Rotorua area the past week to help promote rural crime prevention.

Yesterday it was at the Horticulture New Zealand conference at the Energy Events Centre.

"It goes anywhere to promote rural crime prevention," said Senior Constable Jude Clifton, who is the Rotorua police rural community constable.

"It's great for getting people talking. It raises the profile for police for rural crime prevention. I've found it's a good conversation starter. People can be reluctant to talk to police sometimes but with this you can talk to them and then get to their needs."

The tractor was last week in Reporoa, based at the RD1. It is taken around the country to agricultural events. Today it heads off to Hawke's Bay.

"It's really fun to drive," Mrs Clifton said.

"I was a farmer before a police officer so tractors are reasonably familiar. It's definitely a head turner."

Conference delegates were able to learn more about the tractor, climb up inside it and discover how they can help prevent rural crime.

"It screams Kiwi," said delegate Kylie Horomia.

"It's such a New Zealand thing to do. It's the coolest thing I've ever seen."

Mrs Clifton said they hoped to get the tractor out onto the Rotorua streets today depending on when the transporter arrives to take it to Hawke's Bay.

The tractor is kitted out with police decals, lights and a siren. It has a top speed of 40km/h and has been funded through a partnership with New Holland.

-For more rural crime prevention tips go to www.police.govt.nz/advice/personal-and-community-advice/rural-hub

How to prevent rural crime

* Secure your premises as best you can
* Have lockable gates on implement sheds
* Work with your neighbours
* Learn who their workers are and what your neighbours are up to
* Call police if you see anything suspicious

- Senior Constable Jude Clifton, Rotorua police.