By Constable Ben Hide, Rolleston Police
As autumn progresses, a dry rural Canterbury is relieved by some much-needed rain and hunters start to gear up as stags roar into action. With the excitement of the “Roar”, police generally see an increase in unlawful hunting and poaching and we would remind hunters that hunting on land without permission is dangerous, reckless and carries a significant fine or term of imprisonment.
The NZ Police ask landowners to remain vigilant for unlawful hunting activity and call 111 immediately if poaching is suspected.
This year there has been an increase in reports of unlawful hunting, particularly around the Oxford and Mackenzie Basin areas. Over the past week, hunter’s vehicles have also been targeted and broken into around North Canterbury, and hunting equipment and an unsecure firearm have been stolen.
If you see this taking place, record details of vehicles and take photographs of any evidence located.
It is a good idea to keep a record of any hunters with permission to access land and the time/location they have that permission. Small details like a vehicle behaving suspiciously in an area can assist the police making enquiries into other crime reports in the area.
Reporting information gives the police a greater opportunity to identify offenders and prevent further targeting of rural properties. North Canterbury rural community members can make reports using the Rural Lookout app, which is proving to be a useful reporting tool for both the community and police.
Police technology capability is always developing and improving our ability to ensure offenders face consequences. For example, we have previously used the results of forensic testing of animal carcases to successfully link an offender with poaching activity.
Last week, a search warrant was carried out at a taxidermy business, recovering a poached trophy animal that was unlawfully hunted in the Kaikoura area. Two people are currently facing a range of unlawful hunting and firearms charges in relation to this offending.
A conviction on hunting-related charges can often lead to the revocation of firearms licences and forfeiture of hunting equipment. Hunters are reminded to abide by the rules and always follow the “seven rules of firearm handling”, including new rules around carriage, transportation and storage of firearms. More information about this can be found on the Firearms Safety Authority website.
Canterbury is seeing offenders easily and frequently using vehicles stolen in one part of Canterbury District to commit offences in another. It is important to have a hard look at your property and habits and identify where you can improve security to prevent your property from being targeted.
This looks like locking doors and vehicles, knowing your neighbours, and having contact details for them. Other options include installing CCTV, especially around fuel bowsers, entry points and implement sheds. GPS devices are also being regularly used around the country and can be discretely fitted to motorbikes and farm trailers.
The police often get asked by farmers and those living in remote communities when to call 111 or 105 to report crimes and suspicious activity. The general rule of thumb is if it is happening now, call 111. This could be an unfamiliar vehicle lurking around rural driveways, unknown people on or around your property, or unlawful hunting activity.
Dialling 105 is a reporting option for when the police do not need to be notified immediately. This could be when something is discovered to be stolen, a historic burglary, remains of poaching or stock theft or something suspicious you noticed that day.
The NZ Police wish the rural community a safe and happy hunting season. Remember to report instances of illegal hunting or suspicious activity and take preventative steps to secure your property.
