Important Advice for Residents: Suspicious Wildlife or “Rat” Boxes at Castle Ring

Important Advice for Residents: Suspicious Wildlife or “Rat” Boxes at Castle Ring

Residents have recently reported a rat‑poison style box being placed on Castle Ring, a Scheduled Monument and protected wildlife habitat. Such devices may pose risks to adders, rodents, pets, and the wider ecosystem, and constitute offences relating to wildlife crime, poisoning, or damage to a protected monument.

To keep our community safe—and to protect this important heritage site—please follow the guidance below.

1. Do NOT touch or remove the box

Do not open, move, or interfere with the box.

These items could contain toxic substances or be placed unlawfully.

Handling them could put you at risk or compromise evidence.

2. Report it immediately

If you find a suspicious box, or witness anyone placing one:

If suspects are present or the activity is ongoing:

Call 999

If the item has already been left and there is no immediate danger:

Call 101
or
Report online via Staffordshire Police.

Please provide:

Precise location (e.g., “Castle Ring north path”, “inside the earthworks”)

Description of the item and why it seemed suspicious

Because Castle Ring is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, any interference or installation of objects without permission can be a criminal offence. Reporting helps ensure proper investigation.

3. If you see individuals placing a box

Do not confront or approach them. Instead, safely observe and note:

Number of people

Their appearance

Direction of travel

Vehicle make, model, colour

Registration number, if safely visible

Vehicle details are especially helpful to officers.

4. Photographs

If safe, you may take a photograph from a distance without approaching the item or the individuals.
Do not put yourself at risk.

5. What happens next?

Police will: