The start of the year has proved a busy one for the rural crime team with an organised crime gang targeting the south of the county, resulting in multiple offences across several counties; through a joined-up approach across different departments and the brilliant information given to us by the public we were able to put a stop to their criminality and arrested fi ve individuals with enquiries ongoing.

PC Chloe Gillies has worked tirelessly on several complex animal welfare investigations resulting in charges under the animal welfare act and breaches of disqualifi cation orders and the removal of nearly 200 animals off one individual who is now looking at a custodial sentence due to her diligence in this matter.

We are getting increasing reports of deer poaching on the north of the county around the Apethorpe/ Kingscliffe area and would encourage people to report such incidents so that the team can target patrols around given areas in order to deter and apprehend offenders that commit wildlife crime in this county.

Remember crime at the time 999, for everything else report online or 101 with a new dedicated link to report wildlife and rural crime through.