BASC helps police fight against poachers

THE UK’s largest shooting organisation, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), is helping North Yorkshire police in their ongoing fight against poaching. BASC's game and deer management department attended the 28th annual Wildlife Crime Enforcers Conference as law enforcers, statutory agencies and NGOs gathered to hear the latest approaches to combating wildlife crime in the UK. As part of North Yorkshire Police’s ongoing work tackling rural and wildlife crime, every police car in the force will be stocked with a copy of BASC’s booklet on poaching and associated offences.

More than 600 copies were given away at the conference to police forces and UK agencies, which takes the total number of hard copies given out free to law enforcers and members to over 14,000 in the last three years. The booklet is part of BASC’s ongoing work to tackle poaching. Glynn Evans, BASC’s head of game and deer management, said: “Poaching is a serious criminal activity which is, unfortunately, still very common. “Poachers have no regard for the animals they target and are often prepared to use intimidation or violence. Poachers are also likely to be involved in other rural crimes against people and property.

“This booklet provides essential information and advice for law enforcers, gamekeepers, farmers and others affected by poaching and aims to increase awareness of poaching and associated crimes. It sits alongside a free to download reporting app which forms a central part of Project Poacher, an initiative of the England and Wales poaching priority delivery group." Ian Grindy, chairman of BASC’s game and gameshooting committee, said: “It’s important that we keep the subject of poaching on the agenda. Our booklet has proved invaluable in helping so many agencies in their fights against the problem."

The booklet can be downloaded from the gamekeeping section of the BASC website www.basc.org.uk . It is also available as a pocket-sized booklet to BASC members and law enforcers. A copy can be obtained by contacting the BASC game and deer department on 01244 573019 or by emailing [email protected]. To download the app visit http://www.projectpoacher.com/