Police crackdown on illegal fishing in South Yorkshire

A police crackdown on illegal fishing in South Yorkshire led to 12 people being reported for offences last weekend.
Left to right:
Ian Hurst, Doncaster and District Angling Association; Jon James, Doncaster and District Angling Association; Jurgen Mitchell, Angling Trust volunteer bailiff; Giles Evans, Angling Trust regional enforcement manager; PC Amanda Clayton, of South Yorkshire Police and David Frost, Environment
Agency fisheries officerLeft to right:
Ian Hurst, Doncaster and District Angling Association; Jon James, Doncaster and District Angling Association; Jurgen Mitchell, Angling Trust volunteer bailiff; Giles Evans, Angling Trust regional enforcement manager; PC Amanda Clayton, of South Yorkshire Police and David Frost, Environment
Agency fisheries officer
Left to right: Ian Hurst, Doncaster and District Angling Association; Jon James, Doncaster and District Angling Association; Jurgen Mitchell, Angling Trust volunteer bailiff; Giles Evans, Angling Trust regional enforcement manager; PC Amanda Clayton, of South Yorkshire Police and David Frost, Environment Agency fisheries officer

Officers from South Yorkshire Police’s wildlife crime unit teamed up with the Environment Agency, volunteers from the Angling Trust and local angling associations to carry out a series of checks at rivers and still waters including the River Don at Aldwarke in Rotherham.

The aim of the operation was to ensure that people were following the laws that protect fish stocks.

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During the weekend operation people were reported for offences including fishing without a rod licence and fishing for coarse fish out of season.

Sergeant Mark Gregory said: “The local knowledge of volunteers from the angling community proved invaluable on our operation and I’d like to thank everyone involved.

“Fishing bylaws are in place to protect fish stock and the law applies to all waters in England whether they are owned by angling clubs, councils or individuals.

“By taking a multi-agency approach, we can continue to clampdown on people failing to follow the law and raise awareness of the penalties which include a fine of up to £2,000.

“We can also reassure the public that we are tackling this very serious issue and I would encourage anyone with concerns to report them to 101 to allow us to fully investigate.”