Illegal poaching ring busted

A large scale deer poaching ring involving more than $100,000 worth of deer from Bay of Plenty farms has been busted.

Police have arrested four men aged 17, 18, 19 and 24-years-old and one youth following raids in Matamata this week.

File Photo.

The men are jointly charged with one count of theft of animals and will appear in the Tauranga Registrar's Court on Monday. A 16-year-old youth is being dealt with by Youth Aid.

Lead investigator, Tauranga Police Constable Tim Bonnar, says the poaching ring involved properties in Pyes Pa, Te Matai Road, Oropi and Rotorua.

During the raids, police seized 11 firearms, including three .270 high-powered hunting rifles, a .303 rifle, a .243 high-calibre rifle and two shotguns.

Police also seized three vehicles during the raids.

He says more than 130 rusa, red and fallow deer, valued from $700 to $4500 each, were stolen as part of the poaching operation.

'Four victims have been identified so far but we are keen to speak to any other victims out there, including anyone who may have been subject to a poaching attempt.”

Police began investigating the poaching ring after a Pyes Pa deer farmer had enough of being targeted by poachers.

The farmer started noting down registration numbers after losing more than 100 animals in the last year.

'The poaching has had a substantial impact on the first victim's business and it was also extremely distressing for his family.

'We treat poaching as a very serious matter, particularly when it involves people running around on public farms with high-calibre weapons.”

Tim urges the public to remain vigilant and call police if they see suspicious activity or suspicious vehicles.

People are asked to report suspicious activity to their local police station or alternatively, they can leave information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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