Cumbria Constabulary has become the latest police force to sign up to Operation LEVIATHAN – the multi-agency initiative tackling fish theft and illegal fishing.

The commitment creates an important link with other police forces in the North West and provides a huge boost to the fight against fish poaching in the county, which has led to low stocks of some fish species at some venues.

Angling Trust National Enforcement Manager, Dilip Sarkar MBE said: “This is an extremely positive step forward in our campaign addressing fisheries related crime, raising awareness of the actual implications of illegal fishing and fish theft, which are frequently connected with wider patterns of offending.

“This should reassure the angling community that the multi-agency response is increasingly gathering in momentum, and we look forward to working in partnership with and in support of the Cumbria Constabulary.”

Cumbria Constabulary formally joined Operation LEVIATHAN following a training and induction day at Lancashire Police headquarters in Preston. This was attended by members of Cumbria and Lancashire Constabulary Wildlife Crime Officers, the Angling Trust Fisheries Enforcement Support Service, Environment Agency Fisheries Enforcement Officers and the Angling Trust Voluntary Bailiff Service.

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