POLICE have increased patrols after receiving more reports of poaching in Pendle.

A 32-year-old man from Colne has been convicted and fined for a poaching offence at Burnley Magistrates Court last Monday (December 21).

A spokesperson for the police said: "Team 4 would like to remind you that the poaching is against the law.

"We have seen a rise in reports of wildlife crime in the Pendle area and as a result we have increased our patrols in the area.

"We are committed to finding those responsible and we will continue to target those involved. If caught you may be arrested could loose your lamps and equipment and may have your dog seized.

"As a result of this work a 32-year-old man from Colne was convicted of a daytime poaching offence at Burnley Magistrates Court on December 21st and fined.

"This latest conviction follows a separate incident in which a male was cautioned for a similar offence. Several live cases are also still pending, and we are committed to tackling this type of offence."

Poaching is classed as a wildlife crime and is defined as killing or taking a bird, mammal or fish without legal right or consent from the landowner.