Humberside Police Subaru STI

Patrol fleet launched by police

The vehicles are fitted with video and speed detection equipment
A fleet of high-powered patrol cars including a high visibility Subaru Impreza is the latest line of attack on criminals by Humberside Police.

Six new vehicles are being used by the Roads Crime Section, a team set up to increase arrests for supply of Class A drugs, violent crime and burglary.

The force says the unit is meant to deny criminals use of the region's roads.

It follows a change in policy allowing officers to pursue suspects at speed.

Pursuit training

Ch Supt Paul Davidson said: "I acknowledge there are risks but also acknowledge that there is a need for this to happen.

"Through our innovation and use of trained staff we will minimise those risks substantially."

The new vehicles are fitted with video and speed detection equipment and Mr Davidson said all members of staff had received pursuit management training.

However, he said pursuit was a last resort.

"If a criminal using a car is wanted, we can catch them returning to his car from the shop, coming out of a pub, the options are endless.

"But if we have to pursue because the criminal fails to stop, we will."