The PSNI's new Operation Subrision swings into action today in a bid to combat rural crimes against members of the public, wildlife and property.
Led by Supt Johnston McDowell, its launch comes just days after three fox cubs were found shot dead on a Co Down golf course.
Over the next five weeks, police will be raising awareness of crime prevention measures and ensuring resources are deployed across all districts to deter and detect rural and wildlife crime.
Read more: Three fox cubs found shot dead at golf club
And they state a dedicated policing strategy is in place to tackle offenders including those who perpetrate barbaric offences against wildlife and are often part of a more serious organised crime, making money at the suffering of many wild animals.
Supt McDowell, the PSNI's head of Rural and Wildlife Crime Lead said: “In May, we traditionally see an increase in related rural and wildlife crime reporting, as rural activity gathers momentum, with the return of the much-anticipated Balmoral Show.
“As people spend more time in rural areas, criminals seek to exploit the increased opportunities for related criminality, targeting properties by way of distraction burglaries and even cold calling.
“The Police Service is committed to tackling, disrupting and preventing rural and wildlife crime, and officers have spent a considerable amount of time listening, understanding and working with those living in rural areas to identify local concerns.
“Police want to work towards reducing opportunities for these types of crimes by increasing public awareness, working with other partner agencies to identify ways of preventing crime, and targeting and arresting those committing such offences.
‘We have significant officers working rural beats and focusing on rural and wildlife crimes; every ward across Northern Ireland including all rural wards, have an identified and named Neighbourhood officer allocated.
“Maintaining and improving our visible police patrols will provide an effective response to calls for help within rural areas, and officers will also continue to attend farming and rural events to provide crime prevention advice and distribute appropriate literature.
“We hope this focus demonstrates our commitment to addressing rural and wildlife crime, and I would ask for the continued support of rural communities as we move forward.”
Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Wildlife Officer Emma Meredith added: “Crimes against wildlife take many forms including, but not limited to; badger baiting, poaching, the illegal killing of birds of prey through poisoning, trapping or shooting, bat disturbance and the trading in endangered species.
“What may be seen as a rural and isolated crime can often be barbaric and part of a more serious organised crime, where perpetrators can even make money at the suffering of many wild animals.
“If you’re passionate about protecting the wildlife where you live, we need you to be our eyes and ears over the coming weeks and months and report any suspicious activity to us.
"If you have any information about Rural or Wildlife Crime or believe you have witnessed a crime taking place contact us on 101. If a crime is in progress, always dial 999."
For more information on the PSNI's work to tackle rural crime against humans and animals, click here.
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