County police weigh in to help catch anglers fishing illegally across region

POLICE in Derbyshire have helped snare a number of illegal anglers across the region.

Working with colleagues in Leicestershire and Lincolnshire, the Nottinghamshire Police-led operation, in conjunction with The Environment Agency, saw 24 notices issued for prohibited fishing.

More than 200 spot checks were carried out on waters across the East Midlands. The operation, which was supported by the Angling Trust through its Voluntary Bailiffs Service, saw a knife seized from one angler.

Inspector Neil Bellamy, of neighbourhood policing for Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We have worked proactively and closely with other forces throughout the East

Midlands and the Environment Agency to help tackle this issue and put a stop to illegal fishing.

“Our officers have done an excellent job alongside the other police forces and agencies to carry out the 200 spot checks and confiscate a knife off the streets.

“It is vital we continue to work alongside partner agencies and forces to help tackle anti-social behaviour and illegal fishing and send a warning breaking the law will not be tolerated.”

Greg Dytkowski, Fisheries Enforcement Officer East Midlands for the Environment Agency, said: “Anyone committing offences can expect to be prosecuted and face a substantial fine. The results show how this kind of partnership working helps to keep our inland waterways free from illegal fishing activities and detect other crimes in the process.

“Not only does illegal fishing damage the sport it poses a serious risk of spreading fish diseases and invasive species. The irresponsible and illegal actions of a few can have widespread consequences for fisheries.”