Poachers costing landowners thousands

Sergeant Keith Steele said the incidents had been mainly taking place in the Uffington, Wroxeter and Eaton Constantine areas of Shropshire, but that they have been spreading across rural areas of the county in recent weeks.

Police have also received reports of animals being mauled by dogs but left alive for owners or members of the public to find them.

Officers have also raised concerns over the safety of the public in light of the guns being used by the poachers, and of illegal meat being sold into the food chain.

Sergeant Steele, of the Shrewsbury and Rural Safer Neighbour Team, said the incidents had predominantly involved hares and deer.

He said: "We have had increased reports of poaching on private land in the past few weeks. Illegal trespass using dogs and firearms to kill and injure animals, mainly hares and deer.

"Now this raises concerns on a number of issues. Public safety, with regard to firearms being used inappropriately and with no respect for the community putting lives in danger."

Sergeant Steele said that officers are following a number of lines of inquiry to try and catch those responsible.

He said: "We are checking our firearms register and using this to see if we can match firearms holders with local addresses and vehicles. Also public health with regard to deer being killed and then entering the food chain by the community buying cheap and unprepared meat.

"The main areas are in Uffington, Wroxeter and Eaton Constantine but it is spreading across the rural areas.

"This activity is costing thousands of pounds to stakeholders with regard to livestock being taken, unscrupulous individuals are also damaging property to enter private property to engage in this illegal activity."

Sergeant Steele said that they had received information about some of the vehicles being used by the poachers.

He said: "We have had reports of two vehicles in question, a blue Land Rover Defender, described as having large bull-bars and two large spotlights on the cab area, it is believed it has an open back.

"Also a grey Honda CRV which has received extensive damage after being involved in a collision on farm land. We do have these parts and are checking these forensically.

"Landowners have reported that some animals have been mauled by dogs but are still alive when they find them which not only causes distress to the animal but those who find them.

"Worryingly members of the public or dog walkers could come across not only injured animals but those who are flouting the law with the use of firearm’s and trespass.

"Police are urging the community to be vigilant, report any suspicious activity or if they are offered any “cheap” meat which may have public health implications. Police are stepping up patrols and are using covert devices to catch these culprits.

Our wildlife crime officers are working with the landowners to disrupt offenders and bring them to justice."

Anyone with information can contact police on 101.