Devon & Cornwall Police are stepping up their activity in Teignbridge to keep local wildlife safe, following reports of suspected poachers sighted in rural areas.
Police will be carrying out additional proactive patrols in response to community reports of suspected deer poaching. “There have been sightings from farmers and the general public of individuals with hunting guns and coursing with dogs in areas where we know deers are located,” said PC George Miller from the local neighbourhood team, “this illegal activity will not be tolerated.”
A number of innovative tactics will be used by officers when on patrol to identify individuals involved, including the use of thermal imagers and drones.
“The specialist equipment that our officers are using will help massively with our efforts to identify and deter poachers, meaning we’ll be able to cover large ground in a short space of time. We’ll also be carrying out stop searches on those who we suspect to be involved in poaching, seizing firearms, animals, vehicles and hunting equipment."
PC Miller commented on the impact of deer poaching on wildlife and the community: “Not only does poaching cause harm to our deer populations through unethical dispatching, but it can lead to safety risks due to some poachers using unlicensed firearms and potentially contaminated venison if sold. That’s why it’s so important that this illegal activity is disrupted and deer protected.
“If you’re reading this and think you may have some information, or you think you might have seen something suspicious recently – please come forward and tell us. No matter how small you may think it is, what you share with us can be key in our investigation. Together we can keep our wildlife and community safe. Thank you.”
The public are encouraged to call 999 if they suspect illegal poaching to be taking place at the time.
Reports and information about illegal poaching can be submitted online: Report a wildlife crime | Devon & Cornwall Police, or by calling 101.
Reports can also be shared 100% anonymously to the police. To do this, report via Crimestoppers: Independent UK charity taking crime information anonymously | Crimestoppers
Laws surrounding poaching:
Under section 30 of the Game Act 1831 it is an offence for any person to trespass in the daytime by entering or being upon any land in search or pursuit of game, woodcock, snipe or rabbits. Daytime is one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. Trespass means a physical entry by a person onto land without permission. For the purposes of poaching law a person shooting or sending a dog from the public road or footpath is a trespasser.
Under the Night Poaching Act 1828 it is an offence at night to unlawfully take or destroy any game or rabbits on any land, open or enclosed, this includes public roads, paths and verges. Night is one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise. Anyone found committing night poaching can be arrested. police officer.
For further information about wildlife crime, visit: Wildlife crime | Devon & Cornwall Police.
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