Chopper helps Winnipeg police track snowmobiles

Winnipeg police are using their new helicopter to track complaints about snowmobiles on rivers withinthe city and areas on the outskirts.

The Air 1 chopper, an EC-120B Colibri,has allowed police to step up surveillance in areas that are hard to reach with cars.

The force uses its own snowmobiles but it's a lot easier to track snowmobiles from the air than try to chase them on the ground,said Sgt. Doug Safioles.

"If our helicopter is in the air, and they are able to assist, we will request their assistance in identifying the target," he added.Two weeks ago, 40 people were given warnings and one wasgiven a ticketafter the helicopter was called in.

City council voted to spend $3.5 million tobuy the helicopter in 2009 andthe province agreed to provide $1.3 million a year in operating costs, as well as about $25,000 in annual inflationary costs. The province also agreed to fund the cost of three additional officers to staff the helicopter.

Eurocopter Canada Ltd. delivered the helicopter to theforce in late November last year.

The EC120 is also used by police inCalgary, Edmonton, York Region (near Toronto)and theRCMP inB.C.'s Lower Mainland.