RURAL crime police have attended north Warrington to focus on a number of issues.

Officers from Cheshire Police’s Rural Crime Team visited Culcheth on patrol following reports of wildlife crime and off-road antisocial behaviour.

Quadbikes have been used to damage crops recently, while fly-tipping is also said to be an issue in the area.

Officers also spoke to farmers about ensuring that animals are kept secure so they cannot get loose and cause road accidents.

The force said: “We attended a report near the Culcheth in relation to off-road ASB and potential wildlife crime.

“Quadbikes have been entering the land during late evening, causing significant damage to crops.

“Damage has also been caused to crops in the same area, from unwanted night poaching activity and fly-tipping.

“Lastly, cattle and livestock seem to have a knack of working out the best way to escape from fields, often finding the smallest gap to escape from.

“On rural roads we do expect to find loose livestock and cattle, that have managed to sneak out and escape including into gardens.

“If this happens a couple of times, this is just countryside life. However, if this happens numerous times, which results in multiple callouts to the same location, it can have serious consequences such as causing road traffic collisions not to mention time spent in police attendance from calls.

“We had to advise a farmer there is a duty for the person responsible for cattle to ensure that the field is properly secured to prevent livestock escaping onto the highway or other private land any further.

“Please ensure if you keep any livestock, that the field is properly secured to prevent animals from escaping onto highways or onto private property.”