A BURY company is helping crack crime - thanks to a highly visible police car.

Now, anti-vandalism patrols made by special constables from the Watford and Three Rivers division of Hertfordshire Constabulary have become more effective.

First National Vehicle Contracts (FNVC), located in Sankey Street, Bury, have given the force a Ford Mondeo.

The vehicle, branded with police livery, blue lights and radio, has substantially raised the visibility and effectiveness of patrols in trouble spot areas.

Previously, volunteer officers on anti-vandal and nuisance patrols used unmarked cars.

County commandant of the "specials", Mr Peter Mould, said: "Marked cars or vans are essential to reassure the public that the police are responding to requests for attention in troubled areas.

"They are also far more effective during routine patrols as the sight of a marked car tends to deter acts of vandalism and anti-social behaviour."

He went on: "Since we took delivery of the vehicle, it has become a welcome sight in those parts of the local community which have, in the past, suffered from repeated harassment by a minority of the younger generation."

FNVC is part of Abbey National plc, one of the UK's largest financial services groups.

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