POACHERS are being sent letters warning them of the penalties they face as part of a crackdown on rural crime.

High visibility patrols will also be carried out in known poaching hotspots in the Ribble Valley to deter thieves, as part of Operation Sika.

Dedicated Wildlife Officer PC Carl Chew said: "We are taking a tough stance on rural crime and through working very closely with our partners such as the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), the Environment Agency, gamekeepers, land owners and farmers we have created a database of intelligence against offenders of rural crime." As a result of this intelligence, known offenders have been identified and as part of the operation to deter these offenders, police have sent specific The 'Anti Poaching' letters highlight action that will be taken against anyone caught poaching and the serious consequences they face by being part of this organised crime.

This is the first time that this type of crime has been targeted in this way but other divisions within Lancashire Constab-ulary are considering following suit. PC Chew added: "The local estates, the police and partners work tirelessly to ensure that the wildlife population in the area is preserved, however because of this, criminal gangs know that Lancashire and especially the Ribble Valley can be a gainful place to target.”

Poachers are known to operate in groups with dogs as they hunt for rabbits, hares and deer while some trawl the rivers in pursuit of salmon and trout, according to PC Chew.

He added: “The game that these groups pursue has a large monetary value to the poachers, especially in the current climate and these criminals would not think twice of committing other crimes which affect the rural economy such as theft of farm equipment, stone garden ornaments or diesel.”