Illegal anglers are caught out in sting operation on banks of Trent

A GROUP of anglers fishing illegally on the Trent in Burton during the close season were caught in a sting operation.

It happened at what has become a hotspot for offences, near the Meadowside Leisure Centre.

The anglers were caught by Burton Trent Partnership, which was set up to stop illegal activity on the river. John Anderson, from the partnership, said one of its scouts tipped off the organisation about people seen fishing from a clump of trees near the leisure centre.

A bailiff and Mr Anderson hid their official clothing and walked on the opposite bank to check if fishing was taking place. Then an Environment Agency officer and two police officers approached the group from behind some trees and used the cover to sneak up on the group without being spotted.

Mr Anderson said: “One of the police officers recorded proceedings by bodycam while interviews took place, conducted by the Environment Agency officer.

“A group of four individuals were found with three rods in what has become a hotspot for offences.

“Two of the suspects admitted to fishing during the closed season.

“Their details are being sent to the legal department at the Environment Agency to make the case for prosecution.

“The other two were not actually fishing, nor holding rods.”

The Burton Trent Partnership is made up groups including the police, the Environment Agency, East Staffordshire Borough Council’s community civil enforcement team, six Coors Angling Club bailiffs, one Ferry Bridge Angling Club bailiff and five Angling Trust VBS bailiffs.

Mr Anderson said: “I would like to thank all of the agencies that attended Burton Trent Partnership Operation Sting 1 2021.”

The close season for coarse fishing runs from March 15 until June 15.