North Yorks police urge landowners and farmers to keep watch as poaching season approaches

It’s the time of year where North Yorkshire Police see an increase in poaching offences and their Rural Task Force is tasked with looking after rural crime.

There’s a perception that poaching is a gentle nuisance committed by loveable rogues. Nothing could be further from the truth in 2023.

Officers say that they know from working closely with rural communities that poaching causes real concern, massive damage to crops and livestock and often includes the illegal use of weapons and dogs.