Poacherwatch

POACHERS BEWARE - RYEDALE IS WATCHING YOU!

Poachers who come to Ryedale to perform their illegal activities are to come under the spotlight with a new campaign aimed at targeting this type of criminal pursuit.

Being a rural area, Ryedale has always suffered from the hands of the poaching fraternity but the last several months has seen an increase in activity-especially in the Malton area.

`POACHERWATCH` will see heightened Police activity, extra vigilance from farmers and other landowners and the erection of new signs warning would-be poachers that they are being watched and their vehicle details likely to be recorded for follow-up action to be taken.

A very recent piece of excellent Police work in Ryedale saw four poachers from the North-East apprehended, their vehicle seized and all being reported for summons for prosecution.

Supported by Safer Ryedale, the local crime and disorder reduction partnership, this new campaign will send out a powerful message to the travelling criminal that Ryedale is an area where their unlawful activities will not be tolerated.

P.C. Terry Triffitt explained, "It isn't just the wild animals that these people are after, anything else they can get their hands on will be eagerly accepted so the more we can do to deter this type of person from visiting Ryedale, the better it will be for everybody”

Adding his full support to the initiative, Inspector Tim Hutchinson, the man in charge of Ryedale`s Safer Neighbourhood Team explained "Ryedale is a place where the more eyes and ears we have out in the rural areas has a great effect on our ability to make life hard for these poachers. Poaching, although a crime in itself, can just be a front for other rural crime such as burglary or theft. This is a problem that affects us all so we all need to play a part. That is why Poacherwatch is such a good idea."

The new signs will be starting to be erected this week and anyone with information or sightings is urged to ring the 0845 6060247 contact number.

P.C.Triffitt added "Don`t just think of these people coming out on a night-time-they regularly turn up on a Sunday morning and pursue their illegal past-time of hare coursing”

Further information from P.C.Triffitt on 07740 301423

News Posted: 16 December 2008