Poaching
Wells Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team – Poaching Awareness & Rural Crime Update
Wells Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team is continuing to work closely with local communities, farmers, and partner agencies to tackle poaching and wider rural crime across the Wells and Mendip areas. This ongoing effort combines proactive patrols, community engagement, and crime prevention advice to protect wildlife, farmland, and local livelihoods.
Ongoing Poaching Awareness
Residents are being asked to stay alert to signs of poaching, particularly during darker evenings and early mornings when offenders often operate. Poaching is illegal and can cause significant harm to wildlife, damage farmland, and put livestock at risk. It is also commonly linked to other criminal activity, including trespassing and property damage.
Poaching may involve:
- Illegal hunting of deer, hare, or game
- Entering private land without permission
- Use of lamps, lurchers, or night-hunting equipment
- Suspicious activity in fields or woodland outside legal seasons
Key signs to watch for:
- Vehicles parked in gateways, tracks, or laybys late at night
- Bright lamps or torches sweeping across fields
- Individuals with dogs or hunting equipment
- People accessing farmland without permission
Anyone witnessing suspicious activity is encouraged to report it via 101, or 999 if a crime is in progress. Reports can also be submitted online via the Avon & Somerset Police website.
7 May 2026 – Proactive Patrols
On 7 May 2026, Wells NPT confirmed they are continuing proactive patrols across rural areas, focusing on known poaching hotspots. Officers are working closely with landowners and partner agencies to deter offending, protect wildlife, and provide reassurance to the community.
Crime prevention advice includes:
- Report suspicious vehicles or individuals promptly
- Note vehicle registrations and descriptions where safe
- Install gates, signage, CCTV, or trail cameras
- Join Farm Watch or Rural Watch schemes
- Avoid confronting suspects—contact police instead
22 March 2026 – Rural Community Update
On 22 March 2026, Wells NPT provided a detailed update on their wider rural policing work.
Rural Patrols & Poaching Prevention
Regular patrols have been carried out to deter poaching and hare coursing, forming part of efforts to protect farmland, livestock, and wildlife. Community intelligence remains vital in helping police target patrols effectively.
Engagement with Farmers and Landowners
Officers have been actively visiting farms and rural locations, building relationships, listening to concerns, and offering tailored advice and support.
Rural Beat Surgeries
Beat surgeries have been held across rural villages, giving residents opportunities to meet officers, raise concerns, and receive updates. Further dates are to be published online.
Training & Partnership Work
Officers attended a Hare Coursing and Rural Crime training event led by the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), covering:
- The impact of poaching and hare coursing on farms
- The wider effects of rural crime
- Improved joint working between police and NFU
- Best practices for prevention, reporting, and response
This training has strengthened officers’ ability to respond effectively and support the rural community.
22 February 2026 – Patrol Activity and Community Engagement
On 22 February 2026, Wells NPT highlighted ongoing rural patrols across the Mendip area in response to concerns about poaching and wildlife crime.
Officers:
- Conducted patrols in key rural locations
- Engaged with farmers and landowners to gather intelligence
- Shared reporting advice to help communities identify suspicious behaviour
- Attended beat surgeries and a rural community meeting
Recent training has further improved the team’s capability to tackle countryside offences effectively.
Working Together to Protect the Countryside
The Wells Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team continues to stress the importance of community support. Public reporting plays a vital role in building intelligence, shaping patrol plans, and preventing rural crime.
The team extends thanks to all residents, farmers, and community members who continue to engage, attend local events, and share information.
Together, we can help keep our countryside safe.