Operation Randall

Introduction

Welcome to another newsletter, I’m sorry for the lack of a newsletter last month - unfortunately, due to operational reasons, it’s been difficult to find the time to sit down and put this together.

Which leads nicely on to my next line: it’s been a busy couple of months! Alongside all the rural jobs, we were also called on to provide support following the discovery of the World War II bomb in Yarmouth. As a team we provided 24/7 drone cover to monitor the situation and the cordon put in place. This took us away for several days as we all know.

We have also had the end of a couple of cases, some joint operations with other agencies alongside all the daily jobs, patrols, and crime prevention visits and of course, the new investigations that have come into the team.  I will touch on a few of these later in the newsletter.

In addition, we have started another round of training with colleagues in the control room. This includes delivering basic rural and wildlife crime training to all call takers, including our 101 call takers who take 1000s of calls a week. I have long felt that the training we deliver to our control room is essential as they’re often the first people everyone talks to. Of course, there’s a lot of information for them to remember and if they don’t know the answer…they’ll know who to contact.

Later this month we will be at the Euston Game and Country Fair on Saturday and Sunday the 22nd and 23rd of April. This is an event that the Special Constabulary do a fantastic job of organising and we will join them alongside Suffolk Rural Crime Team too, do come and see us!

OP Galileo - Hare Coursing

So, at this point of the year, although we consider the season finished at the end of March, we also know hare coursing can happen all-year-round and we continue to ask people to be vigilant and report any concerns to us. Generally, we see far fewer incidents in the coming months as the crops start to grow too tall for offenders to use sight hounds on prey and the ground starts to become too firm and runs the risk of injuring the dogs.

Although we haven’t finished assessing this year’s numbers, I think it’s clear to say without too much trouble that the number of reports of hare coursing are well below what we’ve seen in previous years. In fact, this continues the downward trend as we have seen a rapid decline in recent years of the number of hare coursing incidents reported to us. Just a few years’ ago, we were receiving more than 300 calls a year - a quick look at this year and I know we don’t have anything close to that figure. We know hare coursing continues to be an issue and it’s one we’re determined to tackle as a rural crime team and indeed, as a police force. I think the changes in legislation that give us greater powers and create new offences, as well as better collaboration with forces and partners across the county – for example, the national OP Galileo but also, more locally, as part of our 7 region approach – have helped to significantly reduce the number of reported incidents with all forces reporting a decline in calls.

That said, I can report that in February PC Lovelock from the rural crime team and local officers from Breckland reported four individuals for going equipped for hare coursing after being found acting suspiciously. Their vehicle was seized, and we’re investigating further.

Poaching Issues on the Rise

An area of emerging concern for us in the last few weeks is illegal poaching of deer and other species including geese. Many of these are now being targeted out of season and from land on which we know those responsible do not have permission to be on. They are not only stealing from the land, but they are also causing significant damage.

We have been notified of several bags of deer carcasses, and carcasses themselves left at the side of the road mainly in the Breckland and Broadland areas, and we are increasing patrols in the areas in question. We are also looking at any forensic opportunities available to us. Please let us know if you or anyone you know is offered any meat, particularly venison, from an unusual source or you have any information on those individuals involved.

Heritage Crime

This month we have produced two leaflets to educate and inform the metal detecting community. One that offers more information on the responsibilities of the metal detector to secure permission to detect on private land and another that explains the offence of nighthawking and how it can be reported to the police. Nighthawking remains a problem and is when metal detectorists enter land without permission from the owner, and detect – despite the name this very much happens during the day and night! These have been distributed to the Local Finds Liaison Officer at Norwich Museum and a local metal detecting club.

We have also introduced a new Heritage Community Rural Advisory Group (CRAG) that will meet quarterly. This new group will include representatives from the Norfolk Archaeological Trust, PAS, National Trust, Historic England and English Heritage. This will focus on issues that affect our shared historical assets.

Dogs Worrying Livestock and OP Seabird (Spring Campaign)

This month will see the launch of the spring element of OP Seabird - the national project launched to protect wildlife along our coast. We are lucky to have an amazing coastline in Norfolk that is rich in wildlife. One of those species most at risk currently is the Ringed Plover who choose to nest on a large part of our North Norfolk cost around The Wash. These birds, their nests, chicks and eggs are incredibly vulnerable to both natural predation, weather and outside elements without the intentional and accidental interference humans have.

These tiny birds nest on the stone bank/dunes and their nest is nothing more than a few pebbles with eggs laid in among the pebbles. The eggs could fall vulnerable to hedgehogs, foxes or even magpies. The RSPB launched Plovers in Peril – a project in which they monitor the nests along the Heacham and Snettisham area with the support of volunteer wardens who offer advice to keep people away from cordoned off areas to prevent them from damaging these beautiful birds’ nests. One of the biggest issues, of course, is dogs who are off their leads and entering these zones. These birds are currently categorised as ‘red list’ and are in dramatic decline and need all our help. They also nest further along the coast, including at Holkham.

Although all the areas in question are cordoned off with ropes and signs, sadly we still see people entering these areas. This is obviously disappointing as it’s only for a few months of the year and affects a small part of the larger beach. Please follow any signs keeping dogs on lead where required as this can make a huge difference. We will be out this spring and summer encouraging people to abide by the signs around our coastline. There will also be some ground-nesting birds inland (namely the Skylarks and Lapwings) which will need our help so, please always observe any signs.

Regarding dogs, this is an important time in the sheep farming calendar. I am sure you have already seen some lambs out in the limited sunshine we have had and there will be many more over the next few months. Please keep your dogs on leads around any livestock as you never know how they will react. They may have been fine previously but if the livestock reacts differently, then your dog could react very differently too…and you could end up in court because of your dog’s actions.

What is happening in the countryside in April?

As the temperatures start to consistently remain warm, the countryside comes alive over the next few weeks. The hedges are already turning green, and many trees will start to show life. I would encourage everyone now to be very careful around doing any work in hedges in gardens etc, as birds start to build and occupy nests. Birds will of course nest in unusual places too (post-boxes, bins and plant pots amongst many others). Remember that all nests whilst being built and in use are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act no matter where they are located. You will probably see many more tits and finches in hedges and similar as they become more active in their breeding season.

One of my favourite sites of spring is the return of the swallows (probably our most well-known migratory bird) and we should start to see them returning. Many of our other native species who spend most of the winter months hidden up in warmer areas become much more active. If you’re lucky enough you could see badgers, hedgehogs, butterflies, and dormouse.

A lot of woods will start to have a distinctive purple to blue carpet where our beautiful native bluebells start to appear. Sadly, these all too often are targeted by thieves, and I ask anyone who witnesses someone uprooting bluebells to contact police immediately. They are a protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, and all wild native plants are protected from being uprooted.

Farms will be hitting a very busy period, many of our dairy and cattle farms will be looking at turning the cattle out. If you ever get the opportunity to watch cattle being turned out on to spring grass, take a moment to watch them. The moves they can pull for such a large animal is incredible to watch. I have already seen plenty of very young lambs around which is always lovely to see especially in the sun. Again, if you can sit and watch a field of ewes and lambs you may be lucky enough to see all the lambs playing together. You will often see the ewes quietly getting on and the lambs – often groups of between 30-40 lambs - all playing together. It’s a brilliant sight to behold.

Many farmers will be breathing a sigh of relief as they turn out their stock in the coming weeks, look at their food and bedding stocks and see that all last year’s hard work paid off. However, there is little rest. Preparations started back in Autumn 2021 for Winter 2022 with the planting of crops like winter barley and winter wheat, many grass fields would have had preparations too.

This month will see fertilising taking place alongside pest and weed control methods to make sure that this summer’s harvest is good enough to see their livestock through Winter 2023. If we get a warm enough April, we may even see the first cut of silage taking place. The ideal time to cut the grass for silage is roughly a week before the full head of seed appears. This is when the plant contains the optimum amount of sugar and energy to produce the best quality feed.

As we move into the summer months and more grass is turned into silage and hay, it’s important that visitors to the countryside take all their rubbish with them. If the litter ends up going through the machines and being digested by cattle and sheep, it can cause them serious harm. Enjoy the countryside, respect it and leave it how you found it!

Appeal following incident in West Norfolk

Officers are appealing for witnesses following an incident in West Norfolk last night.

At 9.20pm (Thursday 30 March 2023), we were called by a member of the public to reports of suspicious activity in Manor Road, Dersingham. Officers attended and confirmed a catalytic converter had been stolen from a Honda Jazz.

Following further enquiries a black BMW was stopped on the A47 at Walpole Highway, Wisbech at 5.21am. Two people fled the scene in the Mill Road area, in the direction of Terrington St John. They are described as white males, about 6ft, wearing grey tracksuits. Officers are now attempting to trace those individuals.

Anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage should contact Sergeant Charlotte Walker on 101, quoting CAD 451 of 30 March 2023. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously.

Police warning over suspected car buying scam

Police have issued a warning after two incidents targeting people in Norfolk who are selling their cars.

In both cases three men have visited a private seller after dark and tampered with the vehicle being advertised for sale. The suspects then offer a lower than advertised price for it.

The first incident happened in Taverham, Norwich, on 15 March 2023 when three males went to look at a car that was advertised for sale (crime number 36/20412/23). The owner believes that while he was distracted they did something to the engine which meant that during a test drive plumes of smoke came out of the back of the vehicle. Claiming there was something wrong with it the suspects offered £6,000 less than the asking price, which he declined.

The owner has now been left with costs to rectify the problem.

The second incident happened in Holt on March 16 2023 (crime number 36/19291/23). The victim who was selling his car was visited by three men he believes put something into the engine, then claimed there was something wrong with it. They knocked the priced down by more than £1,000 and after counting the cash the victim discovered it was still more than £100 short of the agreed price.

Officers are keen to hear from anyone with information or dashcam or doorbell footage that could help the investigation. They also advise caution when selling high value items and to arrange any viewings in daylight hours.

If your vehicle suddenly develops a fault you should also question what has happened, and be aware of any distractions when potential buyers come to view your vehicle. If you are concerned do not go ahead with the deal.

Anyone with information should contact PC Andrew Saunders on 101 or email investigate@norfolk.police.uk. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111.