Rural crime - Poaching in the North Cotswolds

In the early hours of this morning, officers from your local Neighbourhood Policing Team on routine patrol along the A44 near Stow-on-the-Wold observed a vehicle behaving unusually after being passed by the police car.  The vehicle came to a sudden stop and activated its hazard lights, prompting concerns that it had broken down. 

Officers turned back to check on the vehicle and upon speaking to the driver, officers noticed an air rifle in the passenger foot well.

The driver stated that they and the two passengers were out attempting to shoot pheasants.  

A search of the vehicle was conducted under Section 1 of the police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE).  During the search, two knives were recovered. 

As a result, three individuals were arrested on suspicion of the following offences:

All three remain in police custody. 

For crime prevention information: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rc/rural-crime/ 

To report non-emergency rural crime: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/ro/report/rwc/rural/report-rural-crime/ In an emergency always call 999.