Monday 8 December 2014

More illegal hunting arrests in South Oxfordshire

Eight men were arrested on Thursday (4/12) on suspicion of hunting act and animal cruelty offences.

Seven of the eight men were from outside the Thames Valley and live in Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Sussex and Surrey.

The arrests were part of an organised campaign to target rural crime in the South and Vale local police area, as part of Operation Monocle.

During searches carried out by police, five dogs were seized as well as other items related to the alleged offences.

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, Anthony Stansfeld, said:

“Thames Valley Police have become increasingly effective at catching those who travel into the Thames Valley to commit crimes of this nature and I hope these arrests will serve as a warning to any others considering doing this in the future.”

Andy Boyd, Superintendent of South Oxfordshire and the Vale of the White Horse Local Police Area said:

“These arrests enforce our message that people who travel from outside the region to Thames Valley to commit crime will face the consequences.

"Operation Monocle has been extremely successful.”

“Between 1 August 2013 and 24 November 2013, we had 42 Hunting Act offences across our area. Since 1 August 2014 we have had 32 offences but have arrested 41 people, 31 of which are on police bail while enquiries continue.

“Considering we arrested 29 people during the whole of 2013 for hunting/poaching offences, we’re pleased to see our proactive approach to rural crime is paying off, reflected in our arrest rates.”

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