Butchered deer found

Rising numbers of poachers have been butchering deer in the Stafford and Cannock areas, according to wildlife crimefighters.

Now the Stafford-based Rural Policing Liaison Group is stepping up patrols and undercover operations in a bid to gather evidence and catch the culprits.

The move follows recent discoveries of dead deer on Cannock Chase, after poachers were disturbed, and further incidents on surrounding land.

Group founder and chairman Faye Burton said three fallow deer were recently found dead at the popular Staffordshire beauty spot.

She said the poachers, who must have been disturbed, had driven the deer into nets, cut the tendons in their legs to stop them escaping and then cut their throats.

Mrs Burton said: "We are sickened by this wanton cruelty. As a result, we have been patrolling the Chase every night.

"It has been a very cold and trying time. We are seeing all types of crime in the area at night and we have got some useful information that will be used to build a bigger picture of what is going on.

"Deer poaching is a huge problem in Staffordshire. Hundreds of the animals are killed over the winter period."

There has also been evidence of poachers on surrounding land and landowners have stepped up their own security as a result.

She said one morning a landowner found a dog on his land in a poor state which he believed had been used to help flush out the deer.

At least two members of the group go out on patrols on the Chase virtually every night.

The group, which has a membership of 25, visits areas where there have been reports of poaching or suspicious activity.

"The patrols are instructed to contact the police straight away if they come across any activity and to call 999 if they encounter anyone who is armed," explained Mrs Burton.

Mrs Burton is urging the public to be the group's "eyes and ears" by looking out for suspicious activity and reporting any incidents.

She said people were also encouraged to ensure they knew where any venison they bought came from, to make sure they weren't funding poachers.

Inspector Mark Jones, of Staffordshire Police, said officers received reports of poachers in the Teddesley area of Cannock Chase on December 23 and 24, and deer carcasses were found in the same area.

He added: "We are investigating incidents of poaching and would appeal for any residents who see individuals behaving suspiciously to contact officers on 0300 123 4455 or, in an emergency, call 999."