Lincolnshire Police is reminding residents to be vigilant as the warmer weather approaches and lockdown restrictions begin to ease.

During the warmer months and lighter nights, the county often begins to see an increase in wildlife crime.

Wildlife crime is any activity that goes against legislation protecting the UK's wild animals and plants. It can cause pain and suffering to animals, push species closer to extinction and can be linked to other serious crimes like firearms offences and organised crime.

Lincolnshire Police Wildlife Crime Officers will investigate any reports and also work with partner agencies to investigate, prevent and tackle wildlife crime.

PC Llewellyn, one of wildlife crime investigators, said: "As the current Lockdown restrictions start to ease, we may begin see an increase in wildlife crime across the county.

"We are asking the public to remain vigilant and report any incidents or suspicious activity to us. If you see something suspicious in a field or a dead animal, please contact us. We cover a large rural county and we rely on the public's support to ensure justice is served."

Wildlife crime covers a large area including:

poaching

coursing

persecution of badgers, birds and bats

egg theft and collection

collection of or trade in protected species and animal products

not registering animals which require a licence

taking protected plants

use of poisons, snares or explosives to kill or injure animals

animal cruelty

hunting with dogs

introducing invasive species

killing or capturing, damaging or destroying the habitat of any protected animal

If you think a crime has happened:

don't disturb the scene

don't touch or remove dead animals or birds (in the case of some protected species, if you take possession of the dead animal you could be committing an offence)

record as many details as you can; date, time, location, details of anyone involved

if possible, take photos or video of the scene

write down any registration numbers of any vehicles involved

don't put yourself at risk and don't approach anyone, contact us in one of the ways outlined below

Report it

If you think a wildlife crime is being committed then contact police by calling 101.

If a crime is happening or someone is in danger, always call 999.

Police say they'd rather you contacted them and they investigate, than not hear from you.

You can also report wildlife crime anonymously to Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111.