Anglers fishing illegally in Bakewell have van seized by police

Police say Bakewell's River Wye is a particular hotspot for illegal fishing

Derbyshire Police has caught two sets of illegal anglers in one afternoon as part of a new initiative.

The rural crime team says it is cracking down on fishing without permission in the run-up to the May Bank Holiday.

Sgt Chris Wilkinson said: "This time of year, particularly when the weather's nice, it happens a lot."

Officers caught a number of people without licences at the River Wye and Ogston Reservoir on Thursday May 9.

The River Wye at Bakewell is a known hotspot for illegal fishing according to Sgt Wilkinson, who said they caught multiple people were caught without rod licences.

The group was also using a van with no insurance, which was seized.

They were all then referred to the Environment Agency, the agency responsible for enforcement.

A private lake was also targeted

Then anglers were caught fishing without permission at privately-managed waters at Ogston Reservoir, near Clay Cross, a short while later,

They agreed to make a payment to the club as punishment.

Sgt Wilkinson said: "River keepers and fishery managers spent a lot of time and money keeping rivers and lakes clean and tidy and stocked with fish so people can enjoy it.

"Unfortunately there's a section of the community that feel they don't have to pay their way.

"The bottom line is it's illegal, and where we get reports we will take positive action."

James Allan, an Environment Agency fisheries enforcement officer, said previously: "Money raised from fishing licence sales is used to protect and improve fish stocks and fisheries, benefitting anglers and, for those caught cheating the system, we will always prosecute.

"Rod fishing byelaws are there to protect fish stocks and their habitats. If you do not comply with these byelaws you could face prosecution and be fined up to £2,500."