VOLUNTEERS are being sought locally to help in the battle against fisheries crime.

The Angling Trust is recruiting volunteer bailiffs to support the police and Environment Agency as they tackle illegal fishing across the region.

Successful applicants will be trained by policing and enforcement professionals to keep a watch and report any incidents or suspicious activity.

The voluntary bailiff service (VBS) is part of the Angling Trust’s fisheries enforcement support service, funded by the Environment Agency through fishing licence income.

Dilip Sarkar, enforcement manager with the trust, said: “We have places for a maximum of 15 new recruits in our enforcement regions.

“There is an application and selection process – and volunteers must attend a mandatory induction and training day in April, May or June, held in partnership with the Environment Agency and police.

“Volunteers are ‘eyes and ears’, trained to report what they see and hear to a high evidential standard.

“Preferably applicants should have some enforcement-related experience, but this is not essential as training is provided. Good character and enthusiasm coupled with the ability to work as part of a team within prescribed boundaries is crucial, however, which helps ensure that the VBS continues to make a terrific contribution.”

Anyone interested in applying should contact the trust’s national volunteers manager, Karen Sarkar, on karen.sarkar@anglingtrust.net as soon as possible.

Would-be recruits are encouraged to read more about the VBS, at anglingtrust.net, before submitting their application.