Illegal Fishing

🚨 Reporting Illegal Fishing to the Police

Reporting Whilst in Progress

Call the police immediately via 999 if you witness:

• Non‑members fishing on BDAS waters

• Anyone removing fish from BDAS waters

These are criminal offences.

Fishing without permission (including attempts) is classed as “theft of fishing rights” under Schedule 1, Section 32 of the Theft Act 1968.

This makes it a crime in progress, and therefore a 999 call is appropriate.

What to Do

• Never compromise your safety

• Do NOT attempt a citizen’s arrest — leave all intervention to the authorities

When calling 999, state clearly that:

• “This is an offence in progress: theft of fishing rights.”

• Insist on receiving a Crime Number and a callback

• Make it clear that this is a must‑attend incident

If Reporting After the Event

Use 101 for non‑urgent reports made after the incident has ended.

🎣 Reporting Incidents to the Environment Agency (EA)

When to Call the EA

Contact the EA if you witness:

• Out‑of‑season river fishing

• Fishing without a rod licence

• A fixed line left in the water

What to Do

• Never compromise your safety

• Do NOT remove fixed lines — the EA will handle them

• Call the EA on 0800 80 70 60

• Provide:

  • Location

  • Number of people involved

  • Descriptions

• Ask for an EA Incident Number

📩 Always Inform the Club

After reporting to the Police or EA:

Email the Club Chairman at:

• BDAS-burydistrictanglingsociety@outlook.com

• Include the Crime Number or EA Incident Number

This ensures the club can follow up and maintain accurate records.

🔍 Why Reporting Matters

• The Police and EA are being closely monitored on their response to angling‑related offences

• The Angling Trust tracks all reported incidents to ensure they are properly investigated

• Reporting protects our fish, our waters, and our members

Report it — every time.