A KEEN angler from Swindon is furious that poachers keep stealing fish from lakes in the town that are used by him and his fellow club members.

Lawns Angling Club treasurer and secretary Dave Pinner called the police on Sunday afternoon after spotting that a man who did not have a day ticket to be at the lakes was carrying a bream in a blue carrier bag. When the police arrived, they found two more of the same type of fish in a plastic container in the man's van.

Dave said: "This has been an issue for a couple of years now and it's becoming increasingly-common, it's happening all the time and it has a massive effect on us. There have been many incidents where people became violent or approach club members aggressively after being asked if they have a day ticket or pay the membership fees to fish at the Lawn lakes.

"It affects other people using the Lawns too. I had a call from one resident the week before about the remains of a barbecue and fish bones being left near the bins. Catching and cooking fish without permission is just not on, we try to ensure that the lake is well-stocked."

Dave recalled the latest poaching incident which he hopes will send a clear message to wrongdoers that the club is fighting back against fiendish fishers.

He added: "I had just arrived home from a fishing session when I got a call from another member saying that some people at the lake had a rod licence but membership or day tickets. One gentleman had a fish in a blue bag, still alive, so I called the police, who came over in minutes, they were brilliant.

"We didn't event know about the two other bream in their work van at first, so now I'm pushing for a prosecution. This can't be allowed to happen and we are not going to tolerate this any more. I want to make people aware that something is being done about it now to stop the poaching and keep the area safe for the wildlife, the anglers and the residents here."