Fresh warning over illegal poaching in rural Ribble Valley

Police have issued a new warning over illegal poaching activity in the Ribble Valley.
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The move follows an incident on Saturday morning where two men from Wigan were spotted in the fields on the outskirts of Longridge. They claimed to have lost their lurcher-type dog and appeared to be using a high-powered lamp to search for the animal.

Concerned about the suspicious behaviour, PC Carl Chew, of Clitheroe Police, said: "Unfortunately, the leaves are turning brown and the nights are drawing in.

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"At this time of year the Ribble Valley can see an increase of unwanted nocturnal visitors to our area!

Autumn heralds a potential seasonal rise in poaching across the boroughAutumn heralds a potential seasonal rise in poaching across the borough
Autumn heralds a potential seasonal rise in poaching across the borough

"In the early hours of Saturday morning, two males visiting from Wigan had unfortunately lost a lurcher type dog and were looking for it in fields on the outskirts of Longridge. The high powered lamp which they had brought with them had broken so they were really struggling until the police saw them and as if by magic the dog suddenly appeared!

"On this occasion the two males could not be prosecuted under poaching/hunting legislation. This type of offence is not high on everyone’s agenda, but offenders linked to this type of crime often have links to other more serious criminal activity.

"One of the males did not get away scot-free as he was in fact a shotgun certificate holder in Greater Manchester. He is now being investigated by GMP in relation to his suitability to hold a certificate."

If anyone suspects illegal poaching may be taking place in their area then they are advised to contact the police on 101.