Published: Thursday, 4th December, 2008 12:00pm

New police helicopter

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A NEW heli"COP"ter will be helping police with their enquiries.

The Chiltern Air Support Unit, which covers the Thames Valley and two other police areas, ordered the new Eurocopter EC135P2 at the same time as four other units, securing a discount of £300,000 per chopper. The unit's executive officer, Doug Mackay, said: "The new aircraft will have the latest equipment to further enhance the vital crime-fighting and life-saving role currently performed by the existing helicopter. Aside from the humane aspect of assisting the public, often in times of extreme need or danger, the use of the helicopter has been proven to be financially viable.

"Just one illustration of this is that the aircraft can search an area which would take substantial ground resources, saving not only valuable time but large costs."

Last year the unit's two helicopters attended 5,634 incidents, were involved in 868 arrests and airlifted 39 people to hospital. They also helped recover property valued at £2m. The helicopter will come into use in 2010 and 40% of the bill is being meet by the Home Office.

The remaining £1.75m will be shared between the Thames Valley, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire police forces.