IT’S become almost embarrassing for me to visit the weblog section of the North Wales Police website.
Usually I can guarantee to horrify myself at least once a month with the strange ideas, which pour from the pens of the most powerful men in the police hierarchy.
There are Brunstrom’s outlandish claims about drugs, self promotion and attempts to justify his own views on speeding.
I have been forced to watch the Chief Constable working out in the gym and being tasered.
I have endured descriptions of his long countryside walks.
The absolute gems however, tend to come from Deputy Chief Constable Clive Wolfendale and his latest entry is no exception.
The force have taken a former Arrive Alive van, ostensibly past its sell by date (considerably newer than my vehicle) and tarted it up to blend in with the boy racer crowd.
It now sports paintwork from a Martini bottle, loud stereo and white wheels.
Mr Wolfendale has described it as “pimped” and “blinged up.”
There are a few things wrong with this, even if we discount the Deputy Chief’s inappropriate use of the vernacular.
First off there’s the cost. The Deputy states that the modifications were done by sponsors and implies that the vehicle hasn’t cost the public a penny.
Wrong. Even just taking the sale value of the van (about £5,000), that’s money which could have been spent by the police on more worthwhile projects.
Secondly, does Mr Wolfendale seriously think that a “pimped” Transit van will impress anyone at all?
The van will arrive at a clandestine meeting of boy racers and park up. The boy racers will un-park and depart.
Thirdly, the police already possess the most impressive equipment on the road.
Having been chased (and caught) recently by a Volvo V70, capable of a little over 150mph, I can personally attest to their speed, eye catching bodywork and exceptionally loud, roof-mounted speakers.

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