13th DECEMBER 2015 – OPERATION NIGHTINGALE

The High Sheriff was invited to join Officers from the West Mercia Constabulary on anti poaching operations on Saturday 13th December.  Sgt Emma Freer was in charge of co-ordinating the evening and the High Sheriff was accompanied by his daughter Dreda.  They attended the briefing and then joined other Officers in patrolling a very wide area of South Herefordshire.  A number of suspicious vehicles were stopped and checked without result until at about 3 a.m. a car was stopped with three occupants from Merthr Tydfil and three long dogs, lamps and knives. The occupants claimed they had permission from the local farmer but were not able to supply his name.  Unfortunately there was insufficient evidence to link their presence and equipment to actual poaching. The evening gave a huge insight into the diligent work and long hours Officers put into safeguarding the public from rural crime.  It was a privilege to have accompanied them and all the Officers involved were a huge credit to the West Mercia Police.