SPECIALIST packs have been launched by Northumbria Police to help police officers secure convictions against poachers across Tynedale.

The anti-poaching packs, put together by Northumbria Police, the Angling Trust and British Association for Shooting and Conservation, include guidance on gathering evidence against poachers for court prosecution, and details on the legislation of poaching and hare coursing.

The packs have been distributed to officers across the force, not solely wildlife officers, who typically deal with this type of rural crime.

Chief Superintendent Janice Hutton of Northumbria Police said: “The poaching packs will ensure our officers are better equipped when dealing with offences such as poaching and hare coursing.

“Rural crime can have a devastating impact on rural communities, and by working with our partners we are committed to clamping down on this type of offending.”

Hexham’s National Farmers Union (NFU) branch has also welcomed the poaching packs.

Jane Dungait, NFU county adviser, said the organisation was doing everything it could to raise awareness of rural crime, and to support their farming members who are at risk.

“We need to continue to emphasise reporting all rural crime, no matter how small, to ensure that the statistics show a true representation of the level of rural crime across the county,” she said. “It is great to see the measures being taken by Northumbria Police to proactively tackle the poaching issue, because it gives farmers the confidence that this type of crime is being taken seriously.”