POLICE officers are currently working alongside the owners of fishing ponds following a recent theft.

Officers from Barnsley West Neighbourhood Policing Team are making people aware that fish poaching - taking wild fish - is an offence.

A spokesperson said: “It is illegal to take or destroy, or attempt to do so, any fish in water which is private property or in which there is a private right of fishery.

“This includes all forms of fish, whether game or coarse, and is covered by Schedule One of the Theft Act 1968.

“Please respect the location and environment you live in.”