Police Warning As Hunting Season Begins

THAMES Valley Police has today re-iterated its stance on policing the new Hunting Act.
Insp Pete Downing, from the Headquarters Operations Department, said: ?We are well aware that the whole spectrum of hunting activities remain sensitive issues in our rural areas and within hunting communities.
?We have met with all the hunts in the Force area, as well as anti-hunt groups and I am confident that the former have changed their activities to comply with the law. We have also re-examined our own policy to ensure that the policing of hunts continues to be as balanced and reasonable as possible.
?However, illegal hunting will continue to be treated as wildlife crime and any allegations will be robustly investigated.
?We encourage anyone to contact police if they see an illegal hunt taking place, but it is very important that people do not jump to conclusions ? wearing scarlet jackets and exercising hounds is not illegal, neither is trail hunting. If people see hounds and people on horseback, it does not necessarily mean that an illegal activity is taking place. But if an animal is being pursued then you should contact police.?

Anyone with information about illegal hunting should contact the Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505505, or if you don?t want to speak to officers or leave your name contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

You can also report any crime at your local police station.