A NEW operation targeting illegal fishing gangs and unlicensed anglers has reeled in a successful catch with the help of Alcester police.

As part of Operation Leviathan, officers from two Alcester safer neighbourhood teams assisted Environmental Agency officers as they swooped in on Mereside Pool near Earlswood Lakes and netted five people for having no fishing licence, one for fishing with more rods than their licence permitted and another for possession of cannabis.

Warwickshire Police, West Mercia Police and partners have launched the initiative to raise awareness of fish theft, illegal angling and anti-social behaviour around waterways.

Part of the operation, which launched in June last year will educate anglers who may not understand British conservation-based angling law.

The drive aims to stop fish poaching and illegal fishing by:

•Prevention - offering best advice and education to anglers, private water owners and partner organisations about actions put in place to prevent poaching.

•Intelligence - asking anglers to be observant and report suspicious activity to allow police to target offenders.

•Enforcement - with good intelligence the police can target poachers and anti-social behaviour and take action. Officers will patrol riverbanks to tackle crime in targeted operations with partner agencies.

•Reassurance - by working together and publicising actions including activity, arrests, seizures and convictions.