POLICE are preparing to tackle a surge of illegal hunting on East Riding farmland following the widespread thaw.

Offenders who hunt illegally with dogs were kept at bay by the heavy snowfall.

But police are now expecting a resurgence of wildlife crime and poaching now the snow has melted in rural areas of the county.

Humberside Police wildlife officer Sergeant David Jenkins said: "I think we will be inundated with poachers over the next few days.

"They have not been able to get on the land because of the snow and ice, it has been very quiet.

"But now the snow has gone they will be back.

"We are expecting them and we will be ready."

Sgt Jenkins said hare coursers travel from outside the county to the East Riding for illegal hunting across rural land.

He said: "Many come down from the north east, some in 4x4 vehicles.

"They have been restricted in their activities by the weather.

"But we are now looking out for them and we may link in with Farmwatch groups to have more eyes and ears to do some spotting for us."

The police are also planning a series of nighttime anti-poaching drives in the new year, which will see suspect vehicles stopped on rural routes.

Sgt Jenkins said: "We will be linking up with police from north, south and west Yorkshire in nighttime operations in the new year."