IT’S that time of year when poaching sees an increase - and this year is no different.

The Safer Neighbourhood Team in Ross-on-Wye are working with farmers to tackle the poaching problem.

Police Community Support Officer, Kirsten Kysow said that the force is seeing an increase in poaching across the county, especially in some of the parishes in Ross and added: “Two gates in two different locations in the Ross area have been rammed, causing considerable damage, this has then led to illegal trespass, crops being damaged and illegal hunting.”

PCSO Kysow added that the public can help the police if they see any wildlife crime being committed.

Helpful information would be location (what3words), description of suspects, vehicle details.

Remember, do not put yourself in any danger. These offenders may be carrying weapons, so please call 999 in an emergency or by calling 101 in a non-emergency situation.

Herefordshire-based PC Jack Davies added: “West Mercia Police are patrolling hotspot areas to stop poaching and protect our wildlife.

“We are patrolling day and night to tackle poaching and other rural crime offences. Officers have also been linking in with members from rural communities to give advice around crime prevention.”

This time last year, following reports of suspicious activity in a field in Bridstow, four men were detained for alleged poaching offences.

Police officers from Ross accompanied by a county response officer co-ordinated a search of the area and found the group of four men along with three dogs and lamping equipment that includes very bright spotlights that are designed to dazzle animals before they are shot or send in the dogs.

The officers immediately seized the vehicle and the lamping equipment. All four men were questioned were reported for poaching offences using laws, namely the Night Poaching Act, which dates back to the Georgian era from the early 19th century.