Source: Angling Trust
Keith Dipper, VBS Area Coordinator in Solent and South Downs, said:
“So far there has been little activity on the rivers, but yesterday, when I was trout fishing, I coincidentally had my licence checked by a Hampshire Police officer”.
Angling Trust Fisheries Enforcement Manager, Dilip Sarkar, commented:
“This is clear evidence that the police are aboard, due to the New National Rural Crime Strategy and Project TRESPASS and comes soon after a high profile angler received a criminal caution for fishing without permission – which is a criminal offence”.
Patrols of Volunteer Bailiffs, EA and police officers are now being increased. Anglers nationally can contribute to this process by reporting any incidents in progress, or information, to the EA on 0800 80 70 60, their local police on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
This Saturday, 12 April 2014, sees the fifth VBS induction day, held at Get Hooked on Fishing’s London HQ, with training being provided for 18 new VBs by the Angling Trust, EA, Cefas and the National Wildlife Crime Unit. This brings the total VBS strength to 68, certain individuals of which will soon be provided further training and empowered to check rod licences and deal with certain byelaw offences.
The VBS online secure reporting and intelligence facility is about to go live, and the initiative is expected to be extended to other areas of England later this year.
Dilip Sarkar said:
“There has been an immense amount of work involved with getting the VBS this far, by a number of committed people – especially our dedicated volunteers. We are now making real progress: which can only mean very bad news for offenders.”
