South Yorkshire Police arrest 17 in poaching crackdown

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South Yorkshire Police arrest 17 in poaching crackdown

Operation Dunlin II, has resulted in 17 people being ordered to court for poaching offences.

By Barnaby Dracup

Tuesday, 26 January 2010

The South Yorkshire Police Wildlife Crime Unit recently launched a night of intensive action in response to feedback from rural communities that they were experiencing an increase in poaching, trespassing and criminal damage.

With the help of gamekeepers, farmers and land managers, Operation Dunlin II, has resulted in 17 people being ordered to court for poaching offences and three for vehicle offences. Four vehicles were recovered by police.

Operations Dunlin I and Dunlin II focussed on cross border issues between Doncaster Rotherham and Barnsley – primarily the illegal use of 4x4 cars to facilitate badger persecution, deer poaching and rural theft.

Superintendent David Hartley is the force coordinator for wildlife crime.

He said: “We have been listening to our rural communities and recognised the growing concern relating to the use of 4x4 cars and trucks to enter land illegally for badger persecution, poaching and rural theft. As force lead in this area, I would like to personally reassure our rural communities of our dedication in enforcing the laws that protect them. We will continue to work closely with partner agencies, landowners, farmers and gamekeepers to do this.”