The New Zealand Police branded tractor has proved a huge hit at the South Island Agricultural Field Days held in Kirwee this week.
Inspector Paul Carpenter who originally came up with the concept for the Waikato Field Days said “The idea for a Police branded tractor came about after discussions at last year’s National Field Days at Mystery Creek. It is a tool that we can use to start discussions with our rural communities and address the under-reporting of rural crime in New Zealand. CB Norwood have really got behind the initiative and have loaned the tractor to New Zealand Police free of charge. Overall the whole project was cost neutral but it over delivered in terms of engagement with the rural communities in Waikato. It’s really great to be able to use this resource in other rural communities around New Zealand which, in terms of costs, means the project is very good value for Police and CB Norwood.”
Canterbury Police Area Prevention, Inspector Corrie Parnell, says the feedback from visitors at Hawarden A&P Show and the South Island Agricultural Field Days in Kirwee has been extremely positive. “Farmers and their families have complimented Police on their innovative approach to providing a starting point for rural crime conversations. Some people have told us that they don’t want to bother Police with reporting minor thefts or rural crime as they don’t want to make a fuss. However many were keen to talk about what steps they could take to prevent opportunistic crime.”
“Despite appearances the tractor was never designed to be a patrol vehicle and will not be used in a traditional way to fight crime” explains Inspector Carpenter. “However it is a very successful tool that allows us to engage with the community and provide crime prevention advice in a fun and informal setting. We know that only a small percentage of rural crime is reported meaning there are victims in our community that are not getting the support they need. Police encourage all rural crime to be reported no matter how big or small. We can only investigate a crime or put additional prevention patrols in place if it has been reported to Police.”
Some of the children who have visited the tractor have asked Officers what it’s name is.
“The tractor was launched at the Field Days in the North Island and we thought it would be only fair if we launched an opportunity to name the tractor while it was travelling around the rural events in the South Island. We’ll reveal more details next week once more of you have had a chance to ‘meet’ the tractor and decide what you think it should be called!” says Inspector Carpenter.
Greg Moore, Product Specialist at CB Norwood Distributors, worked with Inspector Carpenter to bring the project to life. He said "We are pleased to partner with New Zealand Police and received great feedback from the rural communities we have taken it to. Lots of people have been taking photographs of the blue New Holland tractor both at the shows and while we transport it around the country. We’ve even had people who were disappointed that it wasn’t for sale”
The tractor will be at the Malvern A&P Show in Sheffield on 28 March and Oxford A&P Show on 4 April 2015.
“If you’re heading along to the shows come and see us and find out what we can do to prevent rural crime such as stock theft, burglary and illegal hunting. We can also update you on our existing partnerships with Crimestoppers, SNAP and Federated Farmers with the ‘Shut the Gate’ campaign" says Inspector Parnell.
ENDS
Issued by: Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District. Mobile: 021 942 404
More information on rural prevention: http://www.police.govt.nz/advice/personal-and-community-advice/rural-hub
