Police in the Cotswolds have purchased quadbikes to fight crime.

Cotswold Farm Machinery first began supplying Gloucestershire Constabulary over three years ago and now the agriculture specialists have sold a fourth Suzuki ATV to the rural crime team.

PC Ashley Weller said: “It has become very clear the use of ATVs definitely has a place in the modern policing of rural communities.”

Cotswold Journal: Cotswold Farm Machinery has supplied its fourth Suzuki ATV to the Gloucestershire Police Rural Crime unitCotswold Farm Machinery has supplied its fourth Suzuki ATV to the Gloucestershire Police Rural Crime unit

Gloucestershire police initially signed up for a long-term loan of an ATV, but it soon became clear how useful they could be for the rural crimes team.

The latest acquisition means the local police service has a fleet of three Suzuki KingQuad 500s and one KingQuad 750.

Gloucestershire Constabulary has trained many of its officers on how to operate the vehicles.

PC Weller added: “Our experience of using the Suzuki KingQuads has been excellent and we are appreciative of the support from Cotswold Farm Machinery, who are at the centre of the community in which we operate.”

Cotswold Farm Machinery say that both KingQuad have “QuadMatic four-wheel drive, fully independent suspension and an advanced engine braking system” as well as a “raised handlebar configuration and Suzuki’s renowned T-shaped seat”.

They state that this makes the vehicles “quicker off the mark, quieter and more manoeuvrable”, making them useful for pursuits on rough terrain and everyday use.

Cotswold Journal: Gloucestershire Police Rural Crime unit now has a fleet of three KingQuad 500s and one KingQuad 750Gloucestershire Police Rural Crime unit now has a fleet of three KingQuad 500s and one KingQuad 750