Police cast net to catch 12 fishing illegally

Police wildlife crime officers teamed up with the Environment Agency and angling volunteers to do checks on waterways including the River Don at Aldwarke.

The operation on May 28 and 29 aimed to protect fish stocks by checking that anglers were following fishing law. 

As a result, 12 people were reported on summons for offences including fishing without a rod licence and fishing for coarse fish out-of-season. 

Sgt Mark Gregory, of South Yorkshire Police, 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 owned by angling clubs, councils or individuals.

He added: “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.”

Giles Evans from the Angling Trust added: “The volunteers and the club bailiffs were able to see first-hand the work of the police and the Environment Agency when dealing with members of the public who were fishing — some legally, some unfortunately illegally.

“With the offenders now being caught, this will hopefully reassure the angling public of South Yorkshire that these matters are being looked at and that multi-agency working and reporting matters of illegal fishing is the way forward.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved in the operation.”

To report illegal fishing contact the Environment Agency on 0800 807060 or South Yorkshire Police on 101.