Police patrols stepped up to tackle poachers travelling into North Yorkshire
It's after two incidents near Harrogate.
Poachers could face a court appearance and a COVID-19 fixed penalty notice, police have warned.
It's after two incidents over the weekend around Harrogate,
Officers on anti-poaching patrols located four 4×4 vehicles reportedly traveling in a convoy near Pateley Bridge at about 6pm on Sunday.
None of the occupants could provide a reasonable excuse for their presence, and all were issued with fixed penalty notices for breaching COVID-19 regulations.
In a separate incident the previous day, police received a report that a large group of men had gathered in Pateley Bridge. Although the men drove off and were not located, crucial information was secured from police Rural Watch members.
Enquiries are ongoing into both incidents. Suspected poachers in North Yorkshire face being summonsed to court, or receiving community protection notices – breaches of which will lead to prosecution.
Insp Matt Hagen, from North Yorkshire Police, said: “It beggars belief that anyone would breach vital public health regulations to go poaching. But we’ve had a number of concerning reports from residents in rural parts of North Yorkshire, particularly around Pateley Bridge and Skipton, that this may be happening.
“Poaching is far from a victimless crime. Poachers have no regard for farmers or landowners, often causing thousands of pounds worth of damage to fields and crops. Not only that, but their actions can leave residents feeling extremely vulnerable and fearful. And in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, this criminality is even more unacceptable.
“We have increased poaching patrols in rural areas to put a stop to this. Thanks to our Rural Watch volunteers, and local communities themselves, we can respond swiftly to reports – so poachers will find it very difficult to enter and leave North Yorkshire unchallenged.”