The Thatcham Research Centre in the UK is well known in the Irish bodyshop sector as a source of repair methods, vehicle safety data and as a training provider. It recently received recognition for one of its less well known roles in the war on drug smuggling.

The Centre has worked closely with the UK’s Border Force for a number of years and Border Force Director General, Sir Charles Montgomery praised its role at the official handover of the latest training vehicle.

Combining the technical vehicle expertise from Thatcham’s vehicle research with the search and detect skills of Border Force officers has already proved a successful formula. Thatcham’s CEO Peter Shaw commented, “Modern vehicles are changing rapidly and it’s vital that Border Force officers have leading edge knowledge of the latest developments. In particular, understanding how the vehicle is constructed, where potential concealments could be made and to enable the safe handling of potentially hazardous components.”

The Honda CR-V handed over has been “cut away” and specially prepared to reveal how criminals could conceal items around the vehicle. This provides a hands-on learning aid for the ‘Search of Vehicle’ training and as part of the Border Force’s wider Technical Officer Programme.

Sir Charles said, “Our officers are at the forefront of the fight to keep illegal drugs and other banned substances out of the UK and use their skills, expertise and technical knowledge to make life as tough as possible for smugglers.”