Gwent police spend £40,000 on crime-fighting tuk tuk UK News

Welsh police forces have spent nearly £40,000 on four tuk-tuks which it says will help them fight crime.

The tricycles, commonly used as taxis in Asia, will be driven by officials and parliamentary “ambassadors”, according to Gwent police.

It unveiled the initiative earlier this month and said they would patrol parks and other public areas in Newport and Abergavenny day and night.

The force said they would provide “safe spaces” where people could seek help, report incidents or get crime prevention advice.

According to Freedom of Information requests, each electric tuk-tuk is priced at £9,936, or £39,744 in total.

The cash comes from the Home Office’s Safer Streets programme.

However, the chances of seeing a tuk-tuk in a Hollywood-style chase on the streets of South East Wales are slim as they are limited to a top speed of just under 35mph.

Chief Inspector Damian Sowrey said the feedback from the public had been good.

“They are on display at the Day Behind our Badges, giving local residents a chance to see them up close and learn more about how they will be used,” he said.

“Feedback has been very positive, with parents telling police they feel safer knowing there is support from young people outside at night, and women can think of occasions where a tuk-tuk would be welcome.”

But some made less flattering comments online, suggesting they would make the unit a “laughing stock” that might even end up being stolen, vandalized or set on fire.

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