Action being taken after concerns from the angling community about the illegal taking of fish from lakes in the Pickering area and elsewhere in North Yorkshire.
It is an offence to take or destroy, or attempt to do so, any fish in water which is private property, or in which there is a private right of fishery.
To deter poachers, North Yorkshire Police are working alongside bailiffs to provide a high-visibility presence.
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PC Mark Atkinson, of North Yorkshire Police’s Rural Task Force, said: “The illegal taking of fish is not at all a victimless crime. It can have a serious impact on fisheries and fish stocks, and we often find that those responsible for poaching are also involved in other crime and anti-social behaviour.
“After an increase in suspected poaching in the Ryedale area in particular, we’re increasing our own patrols and working closely with water bailiffs and the Angling Trust. I’d also urge people to be vigilant for any suspicious activity around lakes and rivers, and report this to police or the relevant authorities.”
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Kevin Woodcock, North East regional enforcement manager for the Angling Trust said: “As the regional enforcement support manager for the Angling Trust, it is good to be part of a multi-agency approach to tackling rural crime issues. The theft of livestock shouldn’t be looked at as a case of ‘it’s only a fish’ – it has a knock-on effect on people’s jobs, businesses and the families of those connected to farming and the rural community in general.”
Marin Smith, Honorary Secretary for the Pickering Fishery Association, said: “We thank the Police and the Angling Trust for their support for the club and the efforts to catch the poachers. Their professional advice has guided us in taking the necessary steps and we now have the first video images of poachers.
“Poaching is a crime, it’s trespassing and theft.”