Hampshire residents are being warned of a surge in fish poaching.

Illegal fishing is on the rise, according to police.

Anyone caught without a license, who is not a member of an angling club or does not have permission to fish may be committing a criminal offence.

Under these circumstances officers may seize your fishing equipment and even mobile phone.

The increase in offences has been reported to Country Watch which aims to “reduce rural crime, reassure rural residents”.

Police are urging residents to report illegal fishing or suspicious ac