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ChevronB19
Original Poster
354 posts
32 months
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Do these exist? I was passed yesterday on the Carlisle bypass by a new shape Mercedes or possibly Vauxhall van - it was a dark colour and anonymous other than flashing blue lights in the grille.
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Citizen09
632 posts
40 months
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I've driven one before, which was a training vehicle.
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Mr AJ
1,226 posts
40 months
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I've been pulled by a Dark blue unmarked Merc vito in Manchester before, See it stalking around the City stadium fairly regularly.
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Burrito
1,208 posts
89 months
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Yes they exist. A PCSO friend of mine mentioned that the only vehicle available to him was an unmarked white transit last week, so he ended up patrolling in that. He imagined it probably looked a bit odd as he cruised around, stopping to chat to the local kids!
Best of all, he drove through the local "traveller" site and was getting friendly waves followed by confused second glances as they saw the uniform. Should keep 'em on their toes!
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Derek Smith
16,043 posts
117 months
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Sticking all the reflective bits on cars and vans costs a fortune. Perhpas tht is a reason?
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DickusMaximus
205 posts
20 months
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Derek Smith said: Sticking all the reflective bits on cars and vans costs a fortune. Perhpas tht is a reason? At the risk of asking a very dim question, why would that be? I mean, if it's just the stickers are they all that dear? Just wondering... Thank you
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mph1977
4,797 posts
37 months
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Citizen09 said: I've driven one before, which was a training vehicle. there are unmarked vans for other purposes as well but that might compromise opsec ( i.e. the green vito for WYP types) ...
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Sam.F
895 posts
69 months
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ChevronB19 said: Do these exist? I was passed yesterday on the Carlisle bypass by a new shape Mercedes or possibly Vauxhall van - it was a dark colour and anonymous other than flashing blue lights in the grille. I've seen one matching that description delivering various members of Plod to Botchergate in Carlisle on a Saturday night so yes I assume they do exist!
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Pontoneer
2,552 posts
55 months
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Yes , there are loads of them - Forensics , SOCO's etc often use them .
I expect they would also be used for covert operations .
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kwk
380 posts
47 months
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Used for firearms tactical teams and also multiple dog carriers in this area.
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FoundOnRoadside
436 posts
13 months
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ChevronB19 said: Do these exist? Why wouldn't they? Police need to move stuff around like anyone else. Most police forces have more civilian staff than they do officers. Do you think those civilians walk everywhere?
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OllieC
2,816 posts
83 months
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I've seen people pulled over by a dark blue (transit I *think* not sure) van in Northants more than once.
I assume it was the same one, but again, not sure.
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ChevronB19
Original Poster
354 posts
32 months
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Ah, I see! I have to admit I thought it might have been one of the people you hear about (but I've never seen) who fit said lights in order to intimidate or impose what they feel is the 'right' way to drive on others. Having said that, if it had tried to pull me over I probably wouldn't have done so, and instead driven to the nearest police station.
I'm assuming I wouldn't get a failing to stop if I did that, but having grown up in Carlisle I know exactly where the police station is. If you were in a similar situation in an area you don't know, what would you do if someone seemingly 'dodgy' tried to pull you over?
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Pontoneer
2,552 posts
55 months
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Yes , generally an unmarked vehicle will follow you to the police station if you do not stop for them ( I have this on the authority of a serving traffic officer ) .
However , another good idea is , if you have a mobile with handsfree kit , is to simply dial 999 and explain what is happening - police will either tell you it is a genuine police vehicle and to stop , or send units if they suspect it is bogus .
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vsonix
1,066 posts
32 months
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pulled 25 mins after picking up a car on the M4 in Wales, unmarked dark blue van, can't remember if it was a Vauxhall Vivaro or a Mercedes though.
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