Poaching investigation leads to five arrests in north Devon

Five people have been arrested in north Devon following a two-and-a-half year police investigation into an organised crime and poaching network.

Officers from both Avon & Somerset and Devon & Cornwall Police, along with staff from Devon and Somerset Trading Standards, Environmental Health and the National Wildlife Crime Unit visited nine premises in the Barnstaple area on 20 January as part of a wildlife crime operation.

Business and residential properties were searched by officers as part of investigations into alleged offences surrounding poaching and the illegal supply of meat into the food chain.

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Two men, aged 37 and 42, have been arrested for poaching offences and bailed until 9 March pending further enquires.

Two men, aged 19 and 57, and a 53-year-old woman have also been arrested in connection with firearms offences and have been bailed until 18 March.

A number of meat samples have been taken and will be tested to establish the species of the animal product on sale.

Carcasses were also found at a number of addresses and further tests will take place to establish the type of weapon used to kill these animals.

Cash, phones, computers and other weapons were also seized during the operation.

Sergeant Andy Whysall, from Avon and Somerset Police, who is working with the National Wildlife Crime Unit, said: “This type of joint operation between police forces and other agencies sends a clear message to those who don’t believe that wildlife crime is taken seriously.

“These are not victimless crimes – landowners lose out and ultimately the public are potentially at risk from food that isn’t checked and tested to the usual food standards. I would like to thank all agencies involved in making sure that such a response to this issue was possible.”

Roger Bartlett, sector inspector for north Devon, including Exmoor, said: “I am delighted to see our partners joining with us in our efforts to tackle the scourge of poaching.

“I hope this operation shows to local communities that we are serious about targeting local poachers and that it will give people the confidence to report their concerns to us, knowing we will listen and act.’

Councillor Roger Croad, Devon County Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for Devon and Somerset Trading Standards, said: “Poaching is no longer always about a lone poacher taking something home for their larder, but an organised criminal operation where deer, fish and livestock are taken and often sold on to end up in restaurants, hotels or with meat suppliers.

“These people are in it for financial gain, and it is linked to other types of criminality. There have been instances of poachers trespassing and then shooting or using dogs to take deer and threaten landowners.

“With agencies working together we hope to be able to look beyond where the police have traditionally looked to combat poaching.”

Anybody with information about poaching should contact their local police on 101. Alternatively, you give information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.