POLICE have issued a warning to poachers in a bid to clamp down on fish thefts.

Officers yesterday met at Wichelstowe Lake with representatives from angling club Westleaze Waters in the hope of deterring would-be poachers and to seek the help of the general public.

Every year, the close season prevents fishing for coarse fish – such as barbel and chub – for three months to give the fish a chance to breed. This year’s close season came into effect on Wednesday.

As a result, Wiltshire Police has promised to tackle the core close season offences, which includes fishing during the close season, attempting to take or destroy fish and fish poaching.

Rural crime officer, PC Marc Jackson, said: “We are trying to raise awareness of the crime and asking locals to let us know if they see anything.

“People pay fees to be members of angling clubs and poachers shouldn’t be allowed to help themselves to the fish stocks. It’s no different to walking into a supermarket and taking something off the shelf without paying.”

The Wichelstowe Lake, which hosts a bounty of carp, roach and tench, is situated right in the heart of the East Wichel housing estate and is overlooked by houses along the perimeter.

Keith Whitefoot, secretary of Westleaze Waters, said: “We are very lucky because we are in a really good position here. The local residents play a very important part in tackling poaching and we are very grateful for their help.

“It’s a very popular lake for angling. Throughout spring and summer people come out to fish and we want to do all we can to preserve the fish stocks during the close season.

“We have had a couple of successful prosecutions for poaching last year, which is good. But it’s important that we raise awareness about it to ensure people know that it happens.”

PC Jackson also stressed the damage to the environment that poaching can create. He said: “If people take large amounts of fish from the lake to another lake, it could result in the spread of diseases.

“Fish have to undergo health checks before they get moved and if the wrong ones get into the human chain there could be severe consequences.

Coarse fishing is still allowed on most still waters and canals, depending on fishery owner agreement, though a valid fishing licence is still required. Anyone who wants to go fishing needs to buy a fishing licence. A full annual licence costs £30 and can be applied for by logging on to www.gov.uk.