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I wanted to provide you with an update regarding Wildlife Crime Issues, which people around your area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the priority survey. Thank you for contacting us with your concerns regarding wildlife crime in the area. We are aware of recent reports of suspicious vehicles and activity in rural locations and would like to ask residents to remain vigilant and continue reporting any concerns.
Wildlife crime can cause significant harm to animals, farmland, and the wider rural community. Offenders often travel into rural areas from outside the locality and may use vehicles to access fields, tracks, or secluded land.
In particular, we would ask residents to be aware of the following offences and warning signs:
Hare Coursing
Vehicles stopping suddenly near open fields, often late afternoon or early evening
People entering farmland without permission, sometimes with dogs
Vehicles parked on verges, gateways, or field entrances
Multiple vehicles working together or driving slowly along rural roads
Dogs being released to chase wildlife
Lamping
Vehicles driving slowly at night using powerful handheld or roof-mounted lights
Bright lights being shone into fields, hedgerows, or woodland after dark
Vehicles stopping frequently in rural lanes during night-time hours
If you notice suspicious vehicles or behaviour, please try to make a note of:
Vehicle registration numbers
Descriptions of the vehicle and occupants
Location, direction of travel, and time
Any activity taking place
Please do not approach suspected offenders. If you believe a crime is in progress, contact the police immediately. Information that may not require an immediate response can be reported via 101 or online. All reports help us build intelligence and target patrols effectively.
The Safer Neighbourhood Team is continuing to monitor wildlife crime reports and will be carrying out patrols in rural areas to deter and disrupt offending. We are grateful to residents for their continued support and vigilance in helping to protect wildlife and rural communities.
 If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.westmercia.police.uk, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, you can stay 100 per cent anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org Get Involved Please consider getting involved by registering for these messages, this will enable you to contribute to the local priority survey. We may be unaware of issues that you would like us to focus on. Take a few minutes to securely and privately register and have your say using the button below, this will mean we can focus on things that matter to you. 
Please click here to complete the survey
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