National Wildlife and Rural Crime Week of Action

Message from Humberside Police:-

Protecting our rural communities and tackling wildlife offences

A national Wildlife and Rural Crime Week of Action (October 6-13) is now up and running.

Humberside Police are working with other forces and partners throughout the week, mounting extra, dedicated, intelligence-led operations to tackle wildlife and rural crime across the Humberside Police force area.

Operation Galileo, to tackle hare coursing during the day time and Operation Zodiac, to tackle night poaching and criminality during the night are in full action this week to catch those who criminally target our wildlife.

This week will see Wildlife and Rural Crime officers continue to mount proactive operations in rural, isolated areas to disrupt criminals and offer reassurance and crime prevention advice to our rural communities. 

You can help fight crime by being our eyes and ears and reporting suspicious vehicles and people.  Report incidents and crimes so we can continue to target our resources most effectively. If you see any suspicious activity please call us on 101.

Preventing opportunities for criminals to commit crime is paramount in preventing and reducing crime. 

PC Brandon Ward, the Force Wildlife & Rural Crime officer said, “Humberside police officers stop checked numerous vehicles during rural patrols on Sunday. Vehicles suspected of being used in poaching were seized with one becoming stuck in a field after trying to evade patrols.

“Members of the public including Farm Watch all played their part by reporting suspicious vehicles and incidents throughout the day.

“Dedicated patrols will continue throughout the week to tackle and prevent rural crime with specific focus on issues such as burglary and the theft of lead from rural churches, which has seen an increase lately, alongside the poaching prevention activity.”

PC Ward has the following advice for rural residents and farms, “We all have a part to play in making our communities safer and reducing crime and the fear of crime.

“Criminals will take the easy option and target locations they see as easy targets.

“Identifying where security can be improved on your farm land and property and taking steps to improve it is the first step in not falling victim to trespassers and potential crime. Keep a look out for your neighbours and let them know if you see anything they might be able to do to protect their property too.

“Limiting access points to land and buildings are a must, along with adequate security and lighting to make your property uninviting to criminals”