POLICE are clamping down on illegal hunting after a series of incidents in countryside near Winchester.

Poaching patrols have been stepped up by officers and gamekeepers to protect rural communities.

Overnight on November 21 and 22 poachers were operating on land at Lower Wield near Alresford.

They used a silver Honda CR-V which lost its number plate starting Y547.

Police also chased a group of suspected poachers near the A31 east of Winchester on October 10.

They have also urged farmers to be vigilant and secure their land. Suspected poaching is classed as a 999 emergency.

Operation Falcon aims to promote working in partnership with other agencies and sharing information to better target resources.

Police have issued advice for anyone reporting wildlife crimes.

This includes considering whether the suspects are alone or in a group, if they are trespassing, what equipment they have with them, where are they going and if they have vehicles.

They have also urged people reporting poaching to take down number plates, vehicle models and if possible a description of what the suspects look like.