NORTHUMBRIA Police officers have carried out a targeted day of action in a bid to tackle poaching and other wildlife crimes in the area.

Earlier this week, officers across Northumberland teamed up with rural crime volunteers and the Environment Agency to help disrupt rural crime in Tynedale.

The initiative, aptly named Operation Poacher, carried out proactive patrols in Haltwhistle, Whitfield, Matfen, Bywell, Styford and on the Military Road.

A total of ten vehicles were stopped with one man dealt with for trespassing offences and another two men spoken to regarding fishing offences.

Acting sergeant Lee Davison, one of the officers leading on the operation, praised the officers and volunteers and their continued dedication to disrupting rural crime.

He said: “We know rural crime has many strands and all form a wider intelligence picture of the issues impacting our more isolated communities.

“This operation has enabled us to continue to build on the wider picture of rural crime across Northumberland.

"It provides us with the necessary information to remain a constant and determined operational force against anyone who thinks they can conduct any form of criminal behaviour in our area.

“We are committed to working with partners to create a holistic approach to tackling this kind of criminality and ensuring residents continue to feel heard and supported by officers.”

If you have any concerns or questions regarding rural crime, you can visit the Northumbria Police website at https://beta.northumbria.police.uk/advice-and-info/protecting-your-home-and-your-possessions/rural-crime/