POLICE have been called out to deal with four incidents of suspected poaching in just two days after launching a crackdown campaign.

The calls follow the launch of North Yorkshire Police's Operation Figaro urging rural residents to report all such incidents to the police.

In the early hours of Tuesday, August 11, a farmer challenged a group of men with dogs in a Vauxhall Zafira, suspected of poaching on land near South Otterington, Northallerton.

The suspects made off after a thorough search of the area by police.

In the early hours of the following morning, officers attended land at Danby, near Whitby.

Although suspected poachers had left the area, details of a vehicle involved were obtained from a witness.

Police also responded to calls in response to suspected poachers at West Heslerton, near Malton, late on Tuesday night, and at Scawton, near Helmsley, in the early hours of Wednesday.

Inspector Matt Hagen, of the Rural Taskforce, said poachers often have no regard for farmers and landowners, causing thousands of pounds of damage to crops.

He added: "Victims are often intimidated or even threatened with violence if they challenge offenders, leaving them feeling vulnerable to further crimes, particularly in isolated areas.”

Report concerns to 101.