Bang! Adapted Shotgun and Crossbows Seized in Canterbury
Police swooped on a man’s Canterbury home and found an adapted shotgun, crossbows, and flashbangs. The man, in his 50s, was arrested on suspicion of firearms offences but later released under investigation as enquiries continue.
Rural Task Force Cracks Down Hard
The arrest was part of a major operation by the Rural Task Force (RTF), who’ve been busy cracking down on rural crime. In February alone, they detained 11 suspects, seized 18 vehicles, and reported 12 people for traffic offences. They also tackled 33 poaching incidents and 18 wildlife crimes.
Hare Coursing in Their Sights
RTF officers have been patrolling countryside hotspots, hunting hare coursers. Nine offenders have been slapped with Community Protection Warnings, and their details are shared across a seven-force collaboration set up in 2021. This joint effort means repeat offenders can’t escape justice, even if they cross county lines.
Fly-Tippers Get a Taste of the Law
The team also targeted fly-tipping, leading to one arrest, two court reports, and a fine for waste carrying offences during a series of action days with local authorities.
Sergeant Darren Walshaw of the RTF said: “As we head into spring we continue to target those hare coursing and are working closely with our colleagues in the seven-force collaboration to effectively tackle the problem.
“We have investigated 10 reports of livestock worrying, which is a concern as lambing season is underway. I cannot stress enough the importance of keeping your dog on a lead when it is near livestock, the consequences of letting a dog chase and attack sheep at this time of year can be devastating so please be responsible.”
