Three men were arrested after police intercepted a vehicle carrying suspected poaching equipment near Cheltenham in the Cotswolds.
Officers from the Cotswolds Neighbourhood Policing Rural Crime Team became suspicious while conducting proactive patrols in the area. A Subaru Forester travelling along back roads close to Chedworth, Cheltenham, was stopped on suspicion of involvement in poaching activities. During the stop, officers seized equipment believed to be used for poaching, along with the vehicle.
The three men, aged 24, 29, and 41, all from the Merthyr Tydfil area in Wales, were taken into custody. They have since been released under investigation as enquiries continue.
READ MORE: Historic Photos Reveal Gloucester’s Cole Avenue Roundabout in 1968
READ MORE: Lunch Experience at The Egypt Mill: A Historic Waterside Pub in the Cotswolds
In a statement on social media, the police highlighted the impact of poaching and associated wildlife crime, stating it can have significant consequences for landowners, farmers, and local communities, often resulting in financial loss and damage to livelihoods.
The Rural Crime Team reaffirmed its commitment to identifying and deterring those responsible for wildlife offences. They have appealed to the public, especially those in rural areas affected by poaching or related criminal damage between 18 and 20 September, to come forward with any information.
Members of the public are encouraged to submit any relevant information using the online form, quoting occurrence number 53260081239. Separate reports of rural, wildlife, or heritage crimes can also be submitted through the dedicated online reporting form.