Police launch amphibious bobby (From Western Telegraph)

Police launch amphibious bobby

2:54pm Tuesday 18th September 2007 in

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The police force's latest weapon in the fight against environmental crime was launched from the shores of Sandy Haven, last Thursday.

The Argo Cat is an all-terrain amphibious vehicle designed to reach parts of the county that other vehicles can't easily access. The eight-wheeled, fibre glass hull vehicle goes from land to sea with ease.

On Sandy Haven, community safety officer, Mark Holman showcased the vehicle's ability to handle rough terrain, deep water and sand.

"It will go virtually anywhere," said Mark. I think you will scare yourself before you reach the vehicle's limitations."

The Argo Cat has already been used successfully at several beach-cleans around the county and removing fly-tipped rubbish from the Preseli Hills.

Its all-terrain capabilities can also be used in emergency response work to protect the coast from environmental disasters such as oil spills.

"We are well aware that a large part of the county's income comes from tourism," said PCSO Holman.

"We want people who come down here to be safe and enjoy their holiday but, more importantly, to keep them coming back."

Also on display on Thursday was a double cab Land Rover equipped with a CCTV mast, designed to collect evidence of illegally-tipped waste and aid the prosecution of the offenders.

"Fly tipping is a crime," said PCSO Holman, adding: "fly tippers can expect to be prosecuted."

Both vehicles have been bought with money from the Welsh Assembly's local environmental quality budget.