THOSE who ‘persecute’ wildlife will be dealt with the same as any other criminal, a Winsford police officer has said.

Officers from the Western Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team have launched Operation Debug to help crack down on rural and wildlife crime.

Operation Debug will see police targeting criminals preying on vulnerable rural premises and persecuting wildlife in Western Cheshire.

Supported by specialist wildlife officers, the operation will focus on offences including poaching, badger baiting, hare coursing and raptor persecution.

Sergeant Adam Norton, of the Winsford Neighbourhood Policing Unit, said: "Cheshire Police take crimes affecting our rural communities very seriously.

"Operation Debug sends a clear message to anyone committing these offences that they will be dealt with in the same way as any other criminal.

“We will not tolerate the victimisation of farmers and landowners, and illegal persecution of wildlife. We want to assure residents in rural areas that we are here for them."

Sergeant Norton added that vermin control is still permitted.

He said: "It is important to remember that landowners, and authorised persons, can lawfully hunt certain animals as a means of vermin control.

“However, anyone witnessing activity they suspect to be criminal should contact us to allow us to investigate."