The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) has just announced the new Lead on Wildlife & Rural Crime as Chief Constable Simon Price, who became Chief Constable of Dyfed-Powys last September.
Dyfed-Powys has the largest geographic area of any constabulary in England & Wales, which obviously includes a huge rural region. That being so, it would only be natural for Mr Price to have an particular interest in these policing matters and therefore the appointment has been welcomed by the Angling Trust.
Work can now begin on the forthcoming National Rural Crime Strategy (RCS) – Dilip Sarkar MBE, Fisheries Enforcement Manager for the Angling Trust will be attending this conference next March. A key objective of the RCS is to increase confidence (in the police) and intelligence from the rural area – which is a massive help to the fisheries enforcement and crime prevention awareness work of the Angling Trust.
It is increasingly appreciated by the police that poaching and fish theft are criminal activities involving organised crime. This is why the Angling Trust is working hard to educate and work with police forces nationally and generate a partnership approach to tackling these offences. For example, the Trust have meetings forthcoming with West Mercia Police and the Environment Agency regarding salmon poaching on the River Teme, and a joint meeting with the Thames Valley Police Force Intelligence Bureau and the officer with the responsibility for rural crime. The intention is to meet with representatives from every police force – and the new RCS and Mr Price’s appointment are the required catalyst to achieve their cooperation. Around 3.5 million anglers represents a significant rural intelligence source for the police – which for that reason is 100% supportive of the Angling Trust’s own Voluntary Bailiff Service – so it works for everyone.
Dilip Sarkar MBE, Fisheries Enforcement Officer for the Angling Trust said: “The Angling Trust is delighted with the appointment of Chief Constable Simon Price as the Association of Chief Police Officers’ Lead on Wildlife & Rural Crime. This will massively assist our campaign to protect fish and fisheries – and we look forward very much to supporting and working with Mr Price.”
