Police issue warning after reports of poaching

Surrey police say damage discovered in the areas of Alfold and Cranleigh is thought to have been caused by air rifles.

Now they are warning people against the use of weapons and catapults which they say ‘could have serious consequences.’

Police say they were called to Bramley near Cranleigh at around 12.45 am on September 29 after being told that poaching was taking place.

A spokesman said: “Officers attended the area and located three men, who were all stopped and searched.

“An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of poaching, possession of a bladed weapon and possession of a firearm and has been released under investigation while our enquiries continue.”

Neighbourhood officer PC Barry Baldwin said: “There have been a number of reports of poaching across the Bramley, Cranleigh and Alfold areas recently.

“There have also been a number of reports of criminal damage which are believed to have been caused by the use of air rifles or ball bearings.

“The use of catapults and air rifles to commit this type of crime is not only an offence but could have serious consequences.

“This arrest shows that we will not tolerate this type of behaviour. If you have any information in relation to this matter, please contact us on 101 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call 101, quoting PR/45180104073.