Reports of deer being targeted by criminals, often with dogs, are widespread, particularly in the Gisburn and Sawley areas.

Lancashire Police, in conjunction with the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), are holding intensive training sessions for police officers to combat the growing issue of deer poaching. And there is proof that those involved do not always stop at poaching, some also commit rural crimes such as burglary and theft, particularly of farm machinery and diesel.

The British Deer Society is launching an anti-poaching campaign this spring and the Association of Chief Police Officers are due to meet with the society this month.

Lancashire's dedicated wildlife officer, Duncan Thomas said: "Wildlife Crime and issues such as deer poaching are just as serious as other criminality and are usually carried out by serious and organised crime groups and poaching, specifically deer poaching is a significant problem in Lancashire.

"One of the key issues is that the criminal gangs engaged in this activity are highly mobile and operate across force boundaries.
"The training was one of our responses to a marked increase in poaching especially in the Ribble Valley area. The local communities had highlighted this issue as a priority and there is evidence and intelligence to support this.

"BASC is a key partner in the fight against wildlife crime and in Lancashire we value the input and assistance that the shooting community have provided us, not only in relation to deer poaching but the full range of Wildlife Crime. BASC has provided experience and have been extremely helpful, both in the planning and delivery of this course.

"The problem is not just related to poaching, these gangs are committing the full range of rural crime and I would like to reassure the rural communities especially that Lancashire Police are committed to provide an effective response and training the officers in this way means that officers are able to do this, what to look for and who to gain assistance from. I would also urge the rural community to be aware that they also have a very important part to play in accurately reporting all incidents in a timely manner."