POACHERS are being stopped in their tracks as part of a new police operation to tackle the problem.

Officers from the city are teaming up with colleagues from rural East Yorkshire to combat wildlife crime for the first time as part of Operation Orlando.

The blitz includes stopping and checking vehicles for poaching gangs on main roads leading out of Hull into the countryside.

Police are concerned about an increase in the number of attacks by poachers using dogs to illegally hunt wild animals, like deer.

Operation Orlando comes as more badgers are being targeted by the hunters, including one recently shot dead near Bridlington.

The latest initiative also involves officers linking up with police from North, South and West Yorkshire in cross-border operations.

Humberside Police wildlife crime officer Sergeant David Jenkins said: "Since harvest we have seen an increase in coursing with dogs and lamping, dazzling wildlife with a strong light and killing it with either a dog or a gun.

"Operation Orlando is a significant initiative and one of the aims is to try and nip poaching in the bud.

"East Riding officers have been working with counterparts from the Hull division to stop suspected poachers leaving the city.

"We have had two night-time operations in Hull, which led to men and dogs in vehicles being turned back, and lots of new intelligence."

Sgt Jenkins said the operation also involved the police working closely with farm watch groups and wildlife organisations.

He said: "We are particularly concerned about an increase in attacks on badgers and badger setts.

"Everybody was very upset about the young badger being shot near Bridlington, and there were tyre marks leading to the field were it was found.

"Poaching is not only a form of theft from landowners, it can also do long-term environmental harm if local wildlife is adversely affected and animal populations suffer."

The National Farmers' Union (NFU) says it welcomes anything that helps to fight and raise awareness of crime in the countryside.

Driffield farmer John Gatenby, of the York East NFU, said: "As well as damaging crops, practices like lamping and hare coursing are often connected to other rural crimes, such as the theft of farm machinery.

"It's a problem that's been getting gradually worse, and we want to discourage poachers from coming into the East Riding.

"It damages standing crops, as we've had people driving through them."

Driffield and Rural Farmwatch is one of five such groups run by volunteers in the East Riding to help the police tackle rural crime.

Gordon Calvert, Driffield Farmwatch co-ordinator, said: "Operation Orlando is helping to expand our geographical area in the fight against poaching.

"We have a brilliant partnership with the police, and have had some good results in getting suspects to court."