Police work to stop illegal poaching

Nottinghamshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping is urging fishermen to pass on informatino about illegal poaching and wildlife crime.
(L-R):
Special Constable Haddon Smith, Lee Watts (Environment Agency Officer), PCC Paddy Tipping, Kevin Pearson (Angling Trust), PC Nick Willey (Lincolnshire Police Rural Wildlife Crime Officer.(L-R):
Special Constable Haddon Smith, Lee Watts (Environment Agency Officer), PCC Paddy Tipping, Kevin Pearson (Angling Trust), PC Nick Willey (Lincolnshire Police Rural Wildlife Crime Officer.
(L-R): Special Constable Haddon Smith, Lee Watts (Environment Agency Officer), PCC Paddy Tipping, Kevin Pearson (Angling Trust), PC Nick Willey (Lincolnshire Police Rural Wildlife Crime Officer.

Mr Tipping is committed to reducing rural crime of all kinds and wants anglers to help the police protect fish and fisheries.

Nottinghamshire Police is currently working with Lincolnshire Police, the Angling Trust and the Environment Agency on cross-border Operation Traverse to address fish theft and wider related criminality.

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Mr Tipping said: “Anglers and members of the local communities who know the rivers and fishing spots well are ideally placed to keep us in the picture. By reporting incidents to the police they become a vital cog in the wheel that tackles offenders and prevents crime.”

Kevin Pearson, the Angling Trust’s midlands regional enforcement manager, said: “We’re really pleased to be working in partnership with Nottinghamshire Police and the Environment Agency to tackle poaching, rod licence evasion and angling-related crime.

“Having the support of Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping is a significant move forward as it demonstrates to the angling rural communities that their concerns are being taken seriously.”

Nottinghamshire Police has its own angler liaison officer: Special Constable Haddon Smith.

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Acting as point of contact with anglers and water bailiffs in the Sherwood area, he also goes on patrol with them.

Anglers and the public wanting to report incidents and information can dial 101 for the police or 0800 80 70 60 for the Environment Agency, quoting TRAVERSE in their calls.