The new Jaguar is directly linked to the force helicopter

The X-type Jaguar is part of the anti-crime initiative - Lancsafe - that operates on the East Lancashire Road in St Helens.

The car is directly linked to the force helicopter and is equipped with technology that recognises which vehicles have been used to commit crime.

Officers will regularly patrol the East Lancashire Road in the car, which also has a mobile phone to give direct access to businesses on the road.

Individual businesses in the area are members of the Lancsafe initiative, which involves St Helens Business Community, Safer Merseyside Partnership and St Helens Council.

Chief Inspector John Martin of Merseyside Police said: "The aim of the project is to reduce theft of and from motor vehicles and forecourt crime, reduce crime concerning local businesses increase intelligence concerning travelling criminals and reduce casualties from road traffic collisions.

750 arrests

"The team have achieved some excellent results during the last two years and are in daily contact with the businesses and their staff. My message to any criminals using the East Lancs Road in St Helens is - don't."

Since the introduction of Lancsafe in 2001 officers have arrested more than 750 people and recovered vehicles valued at more than �1.2m, the force said.

Figures also show there has been a 41% reduction in the number of drive-offs from petrol stations and a 15% reduction in crime along road.

In the first year fatal road traffic collisions were reduced by 78% and serious road traffic collisions were also reduced by 56%.