New police team to tackle wildlife crime in Leicestershire

18 specially trained officers will make up a team covering rural communities across the county.

They have undertaken a five-day wildlife training course to gain a better understanding of rural issues and laws.

Wildlife crime includes hare coursing, poaching and interfering with protected species such as owls.

Leicestershire police said rural crime is under represented due to a lack of understanding of issues surrounding wildlife.

They hope the new team will encourage better working relationships between the communities and the police, as well as helping other neighbourhood officers understand rural crime issues.

PC James Johnson has worked for Leicestershire Police for seven and a half years and has recently taken on the role as a wildlife officer alongside his day-to-day duties as a beat officer.

He said: “This is something that has always been close to my heart. My great-grandparents had a farm that was passed down the family. My dad grew up on a farm and I have also married into a farming family, so it’s always something that has been in my life.

“It’s an issue that’s very personal to me and I look forward to giving something back to the community and providing a good service from the force.”