Police and partner agencies have carried out a multi-agency operation to tackle poaching and protect waterways across Test Valley.
On Saturday 4 July 2026, officers from the local Neighbourhood Policing Team joined partners for Operation Traverse, an initiative aimed at tackling illegal fishing, poaching and rural crime.
The operation brought together officers and representatives from the Environment Agency, the Angling Trust, the Rural Crime Task Force and specialist police drone operators.
Patrols were carried out at a number of locations across the Test Valley area, including Stockbridge, Longparish, Whitchurch, Wherwell, Chilbolton, Mottisfont and Romsey.
During the operation, officers carried out high-visibility patrols, spoke with anglers and members of the public, and checked known hotspot locations for poaching and other rural crime offences.
Police drone operators were also deployed to help monitor remote areas that can be difficult to access on foot.
Police say protecting rural communities, rivers, fish stocks and wildlife remains a key priority.
Illegal poaching can damage local habitats, affect fish stocks and undermine the work of lawful anglers and river keepers.
Operation Traverse is designed to support enforcement activity and encourage people to report suspicious behaviour around rivers and waterways.