Crafter on the beat

South African operators of the Volkswagen Crafter appreciate this large van for its versatility and ability to be converted for use in any number of applications – from ambulances and mobile clinics to tour buses and motor homes. In the United Kingdom (UK), Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has revealed another interesting conversion – that of a police riot van.

Revealed at the UK’s Commercial Vehicle Show 2019 last week, the unique Police Support Unit (PSU) features new Kasiglas “unbreakable” plastic for the front windscreen, a prison cell in the rear, additional seating for seven people and a unique storage system for riot shields, helmets and other police equipment.

The Crafter body panels have been modified to add new side windows, while the new windscreen removes the need for the regular metal guard screen protector; helping to reduce weight and improve driver visibility.

This “blue light conversion” uses the five-tonne, long-wheelbase Volkswagen Crafter in Trendline trim as the base vehicle. Under the bonnet is the 2,0-litre 130 kW diesel engine.

Following its debut, the PSU will be put into service across the UK.