Rural Crime Concerns - Moreton / Church Eaton

Rural Crime Concerns - Moreton / Church Eaton

Over the past two nights (Thursday 11th and Friday 12th November), we have been made aware of two separate incidents whereby 4x4 vehicles, believed to have been involved in poaching activity, have entered private farmland, causing substantial damage to crops and fields.

Both incidents are reported to have occurred from approximately 1900 hrs onwards until around 2230 hrs

We are asking local residents, farmers and landowners to remain vigilant and report any suspicious vehicles or activity in rural areas, particularly during the evening and overnight hours.

Signs a Vehicle May Be Involved in Lamping or Poaching

While these indicators do not necessarily mean an offence is being committed, vehicles involved in poaching or lamping are often:

Driving slowly along rural lanes, field edges or farm tracks after dark.

Stopping intermittently and shining powerful lights across fields.

Occupied by several individuals, often scanning fields with handheld lamps or spotlights.

Carrying high-powered torches, searchlights, dogs, nets or other hunting equipment.

Using 4x4 vehicles to gain access to fields, tracks or private land.

Seen in remote rural locations late into the evening or early morning hours where there is no obvious legitimate reason to be present.

Mud-covered, with evidence of recent off-road use, particularly where damage has been caused to farmland.

If you witness suspicious activity, please report it to Staffordshire Police via 101 or online. If a crime is in progress or there is an immediate risk to persons or property, call 999.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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Message Sent By
Lisa Powell
(Staffordshire Police, PCSO, Rural Crime Officer - Eccleshall, Yarnfield, Swynnerton, Haughton, Gnosall)