A NORTH Yorkshire police officer has been handed a top award for his efforts in tackling wildlife crime.

Richmondshire-based PC John Wilbor, described as a “god” when it comes to rural crime by a local gamekeeper, was presented with the World Wildlife Fund’s Wildlife Enforcer of the Year Award.

Said to be the ‘backbone’ of the Border Watch scheme, a rural watch for wildlife crime in the Richmondshire area, PC Wilbor has worked with the local community and Hambleton and Richmondshire Community Safety Partnership to tackle wildlife crime.

PC Wilbor said: “I am honoured and proud to have received the award for something which I feel very passionate about.
"Wildlife crime is an interesting and challenging area of work, particularly in the remote areas of North Yorkshire where I am based.

"It brings me great satisfaction to see people brought to justice for crimes against nature and our rural communities."

Heather Sohl, chief advisor on species at WWF-UK, added: “John’s community engagement work is truly impressive and I hope others are inspired to tackle wildlife crime in the same way. We need officers like John to galvanise community support in the fight against wildlife crime.”

Chief Superintendent Sue Day of North Yorkshire Police, added: “John is a well-respected and effective rural officer and a great role model for all rural crime officers. John is absolutely committed to supporting his Border Watch volunteer patrols.

“He regularly works into the early hours with them and has an excellent working relationship with the farming and game-keeping community in Richmondshire and the surrounding area.”

PC Wilbor has also provided guidance to forces setting up similar ‘watches’ in other areas.

WWF and the Partnership for Action against Wildlife Crime (PAW) presented the award at the 25th Annual UK National Wildlife Crime Conference.