Officers from Dorchester Police and Dorset Police Rural Crime Team have been working together to patrol the River Frome near Dorchester after numerous reports of fish poaching.

A spokesman for Dorset Police Rural crime Team said: "We have been targeting the known hotspots for these activities.

"It is important to appreciate that fish theft is not a victimless crime. Many fish that are stolen are worth hundreds of pounds, negatively impacting on local businesses, livelihoods, the angling community and causing endless environmental damage.

"Fishing without a rod licence and permission in private fisheries or rivers is an offence.

"Offenders take fish from these private waters to eat or, more commonly, to sell on for profit."

Anyone who notices anything suspicious - signs of fish poaching such as spinners left in trees and vehicles parked near bridges, remains of fish, photos or videos of fish poaching on social media, or know someone who is selling cheap fish and fish poaching - to contact Dorset Police.

All anglers over the age of 13 are required to purchase a rod licence from the Environment Agency and you must have the permission from the land owner or fishing rights for a particular stretch of river.

Anyone unlawfully taking, destroying or attempting to take/destroy any fish in water which is private property or there is a private right of fishery could be fined up to £5,000.

The spokesman added: "We need people to report illegal fishing to us at the time it's happening by calling 999 immediately or recent incidents that are not happening at the time or intelligence can be reported by calling 101, emailing [email protected] or by visiting dorset.police.uk."

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