Scores of fish taken from pool

Hordes of fish have been stolen from a Black Country pool, sparking an investigation.

Thieves have been spotted using a large net at Moorcroft Wood in Moxley to steal carp, tench and roach.

A group of up 20 people have been seen congregating at the spot off Hawkswood Drive. The thefts have led to stock levels of fish plunging at the pool, with many regular fishermen now deserting it.

Walsall Countryside Services and the Environmental Agency are looking into the thefts, which are believed to have happened on several occasions at weekends and evenings since the end of July. Julia Morris, from the Wildlife Trust which works with the council to develop the wood, said she had been alerted to the problem.

Contamination

She said: "It is happening on an evening or weekend. They are allegedly putting a net across and taking the fish, which they shouldn't do anyway as if you take a fish away from one pool to another there is risk of contamination. There is a fear of crime now. There are lots of people who use the wood such as regular dog walkers and they don't want to go near the pool now."

West Midlands Police is also looking into the thefts. Anyone with information has been urged to call Sgt Darren Finlan, from the neighbourhood team, on 0345 113 5000.

Walsall Council leader, councillor Mike Bird, said: "The pool at Moorcroft Wood Local Nature Reserve is open to everyone who has an Environment Agency rod licence but unfortunately in recent weeks a number of unauthorised people have been fishing there. I would urge anyone who notices anything suspicious at the site to call the Environment Agency's free 24 hour Incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60."