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Ashe Hurst says the theft of fish and wildfowl from the borough's lakes and rivers is still a problem

BEXLEY riverkeeper Ashe Hurst says the theft of fish and wildfowl from Bexley's lakes and rivers is still a major problem.

The situation was highlighted last year when police appealed for information about people poaching fish, swans and other wildfowl in the borough.

Then last month, two geese were taken from Southmere lake in Thamesmead and beheaded before thieves drove off with their bodies.

Mr Hurst says the problem is rife across the country, but especially in the Bexley area, with its large lakes in Foots Cray Meadows, Danson Park and Thamesmead.

Despite close liaison with the police - Bexley has its own wildlife officer - and animal welfare charities such as the RSPCA, Mr Hurst says very few resources are being put into resolving the problem.

Mr Hurst said: "Security for wildlife is difficult to enforce and it is hard to get a prosecution.

"Unless you carry out a covert surveillance or walk in on the theft, it is very difficult to catch anyone."

The poachers use a variety of methods to catch their prey including long line fishing and nets.

Mr Hurst says he believes many of the fish and wildfowl are stolen to sell, as well as for the thieves' own use.

He said: "Resident breeding birds have been disappearing overnight.

"Numbers have dropped noticeably."

Mr Hurst estimates over the past two years about 20 Aylesbury ducks, a dozen white swans and several black swans have disappeared from the area's waterways, as well as larger fish such as pike, carp, bream and tench.

He added: "Of course, it can be difficult to tell what has been taken and what has died."

Mr Hurst says the best way to try to combat the problem is by gathering intelligence about poaching and the poachers.

He is urging members of the public who see poaching taking place to have regard for their own safety and not to intervene.

Instead, he says they should try to make a note of the date, time and place of the incident; a note of the fish or fowl taken; details of any vehicle involved, including the registration number; a description of the poachers and details of any pieces of dead fish or fowl left behind.

They should also call 999 immediately.

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