LANCASHIRE Police's helicopter is a soaraway success.

It has just celebrated its 1,000th arrest since being launched in November, 1994.

Police chiefs said the 170 mph Twin Squirrel chopper has been especially effective against car thieves who account for 442 of the arrests.

Crewed by a pilot and two police observers, it has made 6,070 flights and carried out 10,000 tasks in the past four-and-a-half years, operating from BAe Warton.

Inspector Steve Fitzgerald, head of the 12-strong air support unit, said: "Operational officers we support recognise the important part the unit lays in many aspects of policing. The arrests have come about after good team work between the crew and ground patrols."

He added: "The helicopter makes action against car thieves safer for the police officers and the public, as well as guaranteeing the arrest of the offenders."

Its broadcast-quality camera and thermal imaging equipment have also assisted ground patrols to arrest more than 200 burglars.

Eighty one firearms offenders have also been arrested, along with 35 suspects for armed robberies.

The helicopter also uses the Skyshout public address system to alert members of the public.

A number of missing people, in several cases young children, have been found quickly, and in the past two years, the crew has directly traced 57 missing persons by searching or with public help.

Insp. Fitzgerald added: "This not only puts relatives' minds at ease, but saves considerably on police time that can be devoted to other duties.

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