Deer poaching rumours sparks more police patrols

Devon and Cornwall Police said officers would carry out more patrols in the area in response to the reports

Police are stepping up their activity in Teignbridge following reports of suspected deer poachers in rural areas.

Devon and Cornwall Police said officers would carry out additional proactive patrols.

Police said farmers and the public had reported seeing individuals with hunting guns and dogs in areas where deer are known to be located.

PC George Miller said the illegal activity would not be "tolerated".

'Stop searches'

He said a number of innovative tactics, including thermal images and drones, would be used by officers on patrol.

"The specialist equipment that our officers are using will help massively with our efforts to identify and deter poachers, meaning we'll be able to cover large ground in a short space of time," said PC Miller.

"We'll also be carrying out stop searches on those who we suspect to be involved in poaching, seizing firearms, animals, vehicles and hunting equipment."

He said poaching not only caused harm to deer populations through unethical dispatching, but could lead to safety risks due to some poachers using unlicensed firearms and selling venison that could be contaminated.

"That's why it's so important that this illegal activity is disrupted, and deer protected."

PC Millar asked anyone with information about illegal deer hunting to contact them.

"No matter how small you may think it is, what you share with us can be key in our investigation," he said.

"Together we can keep our wildlife and community safe."