Poaching

Lately we have had several reports of poaching on Frome rural area. If you see anything suspicious report it.

We are interested in all reports of wildlife and rural crime and suspicious incidents. Reports received from the public will help inform the patrols we conduct during this poaching season.

Actions

• 5 November 2024
  

  Lately we have had several reports of poaching on Frome rural area. If you see anything suspicious report it.

  We are interested in all reports of wildlife and rural crime and suspicious incidents. Reports received from the public will help inform the patrols we conduct during this poaching season.

  You can report a crime online or call 101 (for non-emergencies) or 999 (for emergencies).

  Alternatively report the suspicious incident to Farm, Horse watch representative.

• 30 July 2024
  

  We are always available to visit your farm or rural property to discuss farm watch, crime

  prevention and any other community issues.

  You can report a crime online or call 101 (for non-emergencies) or 999 (for emergencies).

  Alternatively report the suspicious incident to Farm, Horse watch representative.

• 3 May 2024
  

  We are always available to visit your farm or rural property to discuss farm watch, crime

  prevention and any other community issues.

  You can report a crime online or call 101 (for non-emergencies) or 999 (for emergencies).

  Alternatively report the suspicious incident to Farm, Horse watch representative.

• 27 February 2024
  

  Hare Coursing is still prevalent until the crops have grown enough to provide enough cover for the Hares. This is usually around the time of early Spring. therefore, we urge members of the public to report any incidents of Course and Poaching via 999 or 101.

  What else can I do?

  Do not approach those taking part in the activity. Instead, please try to obtain as much of the information as possible, including:

  • Location – consider using What3Words to provide officers with a specific location.
  • Vehicles involved – what colour or type of vehicles can you see related to the crime? Are there any significant features like branding, licence plate or any dents.
  • People involved – take down descriptions or, if safe to do so, take some photos or video of the suspects.
  • Dogs or weapons involved – take descriptions of these too, including the bread of the dog and any names you may hear.

  Any photos or video evidence can also be helpful to our investigation but please do not put yourself at risk.

• 3 January 2024
  

  Night-time poaching:

  1 hour after sunset to 1 hour before sunrise.

  offences:

  Unlawfully, without permission, at night, take or destroy game or rabbits.

  Unlawfully enter or be on land with any gun, net, snare, lamp for purpose of taking game (rabbits not included in this offence if this excuse is used check the Hunting Act 2004).

  daytime poaching:

  1 hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset.

  Trespassing on any land in daytime or being on land in search or pursuit of game, woodcock, snipe or rabbits. game: Hare, pheasant, partridge, and grouse.

   

  Deer poaching offences:

  Enter land, without lawful authority, in search or pursuit of deer with intention of taking, killing, or injuring.

  To kill, injure any deer or attempt to do so. Search for or pursue, with such intent, or, without authority, remove any deer carcass.

  The British Association for Shooting & Conservation

  with special thanks to:

  hunting Act 2004: Offence to hunt fox, hare or deer with dog. Can hunt for rabbits or rats with dogs but must have landowners permission. fish poaching: Offence to take or destroy or attempt to do so, any fish from private waters or private right of fishery both game and course

  fish (Sec 32 Theft Act).

   

   

   

   

  You can report a crime online or call 101 (for non-emergencies) or 999 (for emergencies).

  Alternatively report the suspicious incident to Farm, Horse watch representative.

• 1 September 2023
  

  The weather is brilliant for poaching and hair coursing. The farmers have harvested their land. The areas are vulnerable to illegal poaching.

   

  You can report a crime online or call 101 (for non-emergencies) or 999 (for emergencies).

  Alternatively report the suspicious incident to Farm, Horse watch representative.

• 12 June 2023
  

  We are always available to visit your farm or rural property to discuss farm watch, crime

  prevention and any other community issues.

  You can report a crime online or call 101 (for non-emergencies) or 999 (for emergencies).

  Alternatively report the suspicious incident to Farm, Horse watch representative.