GANGS who poach deer, fish and livestock - which then finds its way into restaurants and hotels - are being tackled in a campaign launched by the region's police.

Police across Alvechurch, Wythall and Bromsgrove Safer Neighbourhood Team are asking for the public's help to report poachers in rural areas of the region.

The ‘Stop Poaching’ campaign is aimed not only at lone poachers, but organised crime gangs who poach animals that end up in the food chain via meat suppliers, hotels or restaurants.

Environmental contamination can also occur as a result of unhygienic processing by people operating outside of the legal obligations.

Wildlife Crime Officer, PC Simon Albutt, said: "Those who are profiting from poaching and livestock theft are making landowners and gamekeepers’ lives a misery.

"These people are in it for financial gain. Poachers are trespassing and then shooting or using dogs to take deer and other livestock they are also threatening landowners.

"By joint working with other agencies we are looking stop this crime occurring.

"The poacher is making financial gain and this is where we will be looking next.

"We also want to know where this meat is going, where it is being butchered and stored, who is buying it and where it is being sold."

If you noticed anything suspicious in your area you can call police on 101 or, in an emergency, call 999. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.