RURAL criminals in Shropshire will have a slightly more difficult time with the introduction of a new West Mercia Police 4x4.

The new vehicle designed to tackle the rural roads of Shropshire has been funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia, John Campion as part of his commitment to ensuring police officers can be visible in all parts of the county, including in its rural areas.

The robust vehicle will allow officers to further tackle criminality in the countryside, including farm thefts and wildlife crime and will increase officer presence in remote areas, allowing them to continue protecting rural communities from being subject to crime.

Mr Campion said he was pleased to be able to fund the vehicle and welcomed its impact on rural areas.

"As commissioner, reducing rural crime is central to keeping the communities of Shropshire safe," said Mr Campion.

"Rural areas are vitally important to our region, and the public rightly expects our officers to be visible and equipped with the right tools necessary to fighting crime in the countryside.

"I am therefore pleased to release funding for this new vehicle, which will directly contribute to maintaining safety within Shropshire."