UK police's latest crime fighting tool: The humble three-wheeled tuk-tuk

From daily patrolling to chasing criminals, police across the world use high-powered bikes or cars to fight crime and ensure the safety of the citizens. But, the UK police's new crime-fighting vehicle has surprised many. These new vehicles are 'tuk-tuks', or auto rickshaws, which don't look anything like typical police vehicles and they are relatively slow.

Reportedly, Gwent Police, a county in Wales, has acquired four of these tuk-tuks to use in Newport and Abergavenny, in Monmouthshire. The three-wheelers have been specifically chosen for patrolling.

Moreover, these tuk-tuks will patrol parks, walkways and other public spaces "day and night" and they will be used by officers and ambassadors. Interestingly, the speed of the tuk-tuks has been limited to 55 kilometres per hour.


Though speed might be less, these three-wheelers will be used effectively as "safe spaces" where crimes can be reported, help sought and crime prevention advice given.

"They were on show at our Behind the Badge day, giving local residents the opportunity to see them up close and to hear more about how they will be used," Chief Inspector Damian Sowrey told BBC.

He added, "The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with parents telling officers that they would feel safer knowing that there was support for young people out at night, and from women who could think of an occasion when the tuk-tuk would have been a welcome sight."

Mahindra Electric is a part of the Gwent Police's initiative to use tuk-tuks which are used as e-rickshaws in India. "Autos have been used as public transportation but Gwent police has different plans for them. They want e-autos to be used as "safe spaces" where crimes can be reported, help sought, and crime prevention advice can be given. We're proud to be a part of such a noble initiative," Mahindra Electric tweeted.