Poachers faced a long walk home after vehicles seized by police

Officers responding to reports from vigilant members of the public have disrupted several groups poaching across the county, taking their vehicles, and are urging the public to continue to get in touch with information about suspicious activity, especially in isolated areas.

Police have intercepted several incidents of poaching this month, including on November 9 at Morton-on-Swale, near Northallerton, when officers responded to a tip-off and two men from Darlington were reported for summons for criminal damage and hunting offences. A VW Golf which had damaged crops was seized.

On November 12 in Sowerby, near Thirsk, the Rural Taskforce seized a Land Rover which was stuck in mud on farmland which had caused significant damage to the field; and on November 13, officers stopped five men from Durham in Middleton Tyas, near Richmond, with dogs chasing hares. They were reported for summons and their vehicle was taken.

Officers have also responded to incidents of suspected poaching in Great Ayton, on November 13 and 15.

Sgt Kevin Kelly said: “Our proactive response to incidents over the last few weeks has had excellent results. People travelling to our area to commit crime are starting to get the message – they are not welcome here, the police will find them and take action against them. More often than not, they will find themselves facing a long walk home, and a day in court."

• Report suspicious activity to North Yorkshire Police on 101, or if a crime is in progress, call 999. Follow the team’s work on Twitter at @NYPRuralTF or via the North Yorkshire Police Rural Taskforce Facebook page.