ORGANISED criminals are crossing the borders into East Lancashire to poach, police have warned.

The message comes after four men from Bradford were arrested last week on suspicion of poaching in the Anna Lane area of Bolton-by-Bowland in the Ribble Valley. The men were allegedly found in camouflaged jackets and were carrying a large spot lamp.

They are also said to have been accompanied by three dogs - including two lurcher dogs. Police also seized a Ford Fiesta at the scene.

All four men, who are in their 20s or 30s, have been released pending further investigation.

That incident was happened at just after midnight on February 16 but around one hour earlier police received reports of men poaching deer in Gisburn.

Sgt Dave Simpson, of the Ribble Valley neighbourhood policing team, said: “In East Lancashire we are susceptible to criminals crossing the borders with Yorkshire and Manchester with the specific aim of poaching. This is organised criminal activity.

“This time of year is the highest risk for red and roe deer so it is especially important that people remain vigilant.

“We would ask land owners, our partner agencies and the public to report any specific activity. Police respond to unusual behaviour in the rural areas, especially with regards to deer poaching and poaching in general. If people are able to get registrations of vehicles being driven suspiciously that is always of great assistance.”

PC Nigel Keates, who is a specialist wildlife officer, said there are concerns poaching is becoming more prevalent and that deer were being specifically targeted to sell to the restaurant trade.

PC Keates said: “This is organised criminal activity. Half a dozen deer aren’t being eaten by one family over the weekend. It’s partly to do with the blood lust of killing the animal and it’s partly to do with the financial benefits.

“The most common crime I deal with in the summer is dogs attacking sheep. In the early hours of the morning you’re looking at poaching, be that deer, rabbits or badger baiting. Poaching deer is prevalent in the winter months too.

“The main threat is the general destruction of wildlife. Some people would hunt right down to the last animal. If a dodo was found in the middle of East Lancashire someone would want to shoot it. So we have to protect wildlife.”

To report a crime call police on 101. The police advise that you do not approach the suspects and if possible, keep out of sight.