WEST Mercia Police have seen an increase in reports of poaching across Herefordshire.

A police spokesperson said: “We have covert equipment in place to support our farming communities and to protect the diverse wildlife in the county. These can be reported via West Mercia’s online platforms.

In December last year local police reacted to reports of suspicious activity in a field in Bristow. Officers from Ross-on-Wye’s Safer Neighbourhood Team searched the area and found a group of four men along with three dogs and lamping equipment.

The officers immediately seized the vehicle and the lamping equipment. All four men were questioned and were reported for poaching offences using laws dating back to the 19th Century.

Reports of poaching can also be lodged with CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.