Several reports of illegal fishing, poaching and anti-social behaviour near bodies of water in Newark and Sherwood
There have been several reports of illegal fishing, poaching and anti-social behaviour near bodies of water in Newark and Sherwood.
In response, Newark police have been patrolling hotspot areas with colleagues from the Environment Agency.
During the operation to catch people out, several people were stopped and spoken to and inquiries are ongoing.
A man was reported for summons for fishing without a licence.
Neighbourhood Sergeant Rob Harrison said: “We’re continuing our robust activity to tackle issues which were recently raised by members of the community.
"During our patrols, we spoke with lots of local people who were really positive about the action we were taking.
"We take wildlife crime seriously as these issues can be detrimental to the environment and cause great distress to members of the public.
"We encourage people to continue to report these incidents to us on 101 so we can crack down on those responsible.”
It comes as a similar operation was carried out within Lincolnshire, with the help from Nottinghamshire wildlife officers.
A total of 16 suspects were served notices for fishing offences in the county, with 118 spot checks carried out to ensure anglers were properly licensed and fishing within the rules.
The Environment Agency operation was carried with the help from wildlife crime officers in the county and at Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, as well as volunteers from the Angling Trust.
Anyone fishing illegally can expect to be prosecuted and face a fine of up to £2,500, up to £50,000 for byelaw offences and a potential two-year prison sentence for illegal methods.
Lee Watts, fisheries enforcement officer for the East Midlands at the Environment Agency, said: "We take illegal fishing very seriously.
"Anyone committing offences can expect to be prosecuted and face a substantial fine. I’d like to offer my thanks to all officers, police staff and Angling Trust personnel who took part and made it a successful operation.
"It’s through partnerships like this that we can take action and send clear message to those who break the law."
Angling Trust fisheries enforcement support service regional enforcement manager Paul Thomas said: "This was a perfect example of partnership working in action — and what can be achieved by everyone working together.
"As always, we are most grateful to our volunteers for so public-spiritedly giving up their time to help protect fish and fisheries. We look forward to more of these operations."
