SUSPECTED poachers in Lancashire will be sent warning letters by police.

Vehicle number plates reported to police by residents will result in a note sent to the registered owner, in the latest drive to stop animal hunting and theft of farming equipment in Lancashire’s rural areas.

Lancashire Constabulary’s wildlife officer Mark Thomas said: "When we receive information about suspicious vehicles we will be contacting owners so that they are aware that their vehicle was reported to us.

"If they were going about legitimate business, we hope that this will reassure them that the police are working to keep Lancashire safe so that their visit to the area was without event.

"However, if they were in the area to poach or commit other crimes the letter will be a warning that they are being watched and that Lancashire does not welcome criminals."

Mark added: "We regularly work with our neighbouring forces in Merseyside and Cumbria to prevent criminals travelling across borders to commit crime in rural areas and use text schemes, such as FarmWatch, in more remote areas to send information out to residents so that they can take precautions to avoid becoming a victim of crime."

Information can be given to police on 0845 1 25 35 45, or to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.