POLICE teams have launched a campaign to target poachers in countryside areas.

And officers across Devon and Cornwall are asking for the public’s help to report poachers.  The campaign, called ‘Stop Poaching’, has been launched as part of police efforts to mark National Wildlife Crime Awareness Week, which ends tomorrow. 

Officers say the last few years have shown the lone poacher taking something home for his larder has been superseded by an organised operation where deer, fish and livestock end up in the food chain, via restaurants, hotels or meat suppliers. 

Wildlife crime officer PC Martin Beck said: ‘Those who are making profit from poaching and livestock theft are making landowners’ lives a misery. 

‘These people are in it for financial gain and linked to other types of criminality. 

‘Members of the public now have an opportunity to report these criminals.

‘We have heard of poachers trespassing and then shooting or using dogs to take deer and threatening landowners.

‘By working together we are looking beyond where the police have traditionally looked to stop this crime occurring.

‘Ultimately the poacher is making his financial gain somewhere and this is where we will be looking next.

Reward 

‘We also want to know where this meat is going, where it is being butchered and stored, who is buying it and where it is being sold. In some circumstances there may be a cash reward.’

If you notice anything suspicious in your area you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Alternatively you can call 101, email 101@devonand cornwall.pnn.police.uk or in an emergency call 999. Social media posts can use the hashtag

#stoppoaching