Hampshire drone scheme helps police identify pheasant poaching suspect
Police drone volunteers in Hampshire filmed three men firing catapults at pheasants from a car on private farmland, helping officers identify the driver. The incident highlights how a new volunteer scheme is being used to detect rural crime and gather evidence.
The footage was recorded near Linkenholt on 7 October after the men trespassed in a Honda CR-V; it showed a pheasant being injured and the vehicle damaging a crop field as it drove away. A 29-year-old man from Dibden Purlieu admitted involvement and received a Community Resolution requiring a victim awareness course, as well as a warning about his behaviour. The scheme is funded by Test Valley Borough Council, North Wessex Downs National Landscapes and the police and crime commissioner.
- Drone volunteers filmed men firing catapults at pheasants.
- Footage helped police identify the car’s 29-year-old driver.
- He received a victim awareness course requirement and a warning.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Moment pheasant poachers are caught by drone firing catapults at the birds in first-of-its-kind police operation”.