Neighbourhood Policing Team – Rural Crime / Poaching Awareness Message

Neighbourhood Policing Team – Rural Crime / Poaching Awareness Message

Poaching continues to affect rural communities across North Yorkshire, causing damage to farmland, distress to livestock and wildlife, and creating unnecessary fear and disruption for those who live and work in the countryside.

Our Neighbourhood Policing Team is working closely with local farmers, gamekeepers, and Rural Watch volunteers to identify offenders and prevent offences — but we also need your eyes and ears.

What to Look Out For

Vehicles parked in rural locations at unusual times, especially 4x4s or estates.

Powerful torches or lamps used in fields late at night.

Dogs being exercised or run across farmland without permission.

Gates left open, damaged fences, or tyre tracks across crops.

Individuals trespassing on private land.

If You See Something Suspicious

Please report it. Even small pieces of information can help us identify patterns and offenders.

☎️ Call 101 to report suspicious activity.

📞 Call 999 if a crime is in progress.

🌐 Report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

How You Can Help

Record vehicle registrations, descriptions, or direction of travel where safe to do so.

Use the What3Words location if reporting sightings in remote areas.

Share this message with neighbours, landowners, and rural community groups.

Our Commitment

Your local NPT will continue conducting targeted patrols, working with Rural Taskforce officers, and supporting landowners who are affected by poaching and related crime.

Please remember: poaching isn’t a harmless pastime — it’s a criminal offence that impacts livelihoods, animal welfare, and rural safety.

Reply to this message

Message Sent By
Drew Crossley
(North Yorkshire Police, NPT PC - Sherburn in Elmet, Selby)