Police find off-road bikes, stolen cars, dogs and dead animals in rural crime raid
Police uncovered almost two dozen off-road bikes, a stolen vehicle worth £30,000 and dead animals in a rural crime raid in Yorkshire
South Yorkshire Police has launched a rural crime crackdown, and began its operation by raising a property on Lockwood Road in East Herringthorpe, where officers immediately found evidence of hunting and animal cruelty.
Officers found 22 off-road bikes, suspected to be stolen, and a Toyota Hilux worth over £30,000 was also recovered.
Dead frozen foxes, hare, rabbits and deer were also found and seized as evidence.
Officers also found dogs which had been injured, and are believed to have been used for hunting.
A 40-year-old man was arrested as they began the search, which also uncovered Class B drugs, drug paraphernalia, air rifles, cross bows, catapults and a firearm.
Chief Inspector Peter Spratt, said: “The launch of our Rural Crime Initiative pledged our dedication to identifying and stopping those who cause harm to our rural communities, animals and land, and this warrant is an example of our commitment.
“Those who use animals for hunting are frequently linked to wider criminality, and there is often criminal damage and anti-social behaviour associated to their actions. Seizing equipment, animals, weapons and recovering drugs causes a significant disruption to criminality, and for that we make no apologies.
“I also want to take this opportunity to thank our partners at Naturewatch and RSPCA who played a really important role in our initial investigatory response. Information from the community and our partners is crucial in helping us build our intelligence picture around rural and wildlife crime and ensures we can effectively direct our resources.
“I encourage anyone with information or concerns around rural and wildlife crime to report it to us directly, so we can take action.”
The man was arrested on suspicion of offences under the Animal Welfare Act, as well as possession of controlled drugs with Intent to supply and has been bailed pending further enquiries.
The warrant followed intelligence shared by the charity Naturewatch, and was carried out alongside the RSPCA.