Three people have been arrested and several guns and a crossbow seized in an investigation into stolen pheasants in Faversham.

Police made the arrests yesterday after a series of raids at addresses in Lewis Close, Lower Road, Bensted Grove and Nicholas Road.

Officers received reports up to 150 pheasants were being taken from rural farms, which led one farmer to set up covert cameras to catch thieves poaching the birds.

Images were passed to police which led officers from Faversham and the rural partnership team to carry out the raids.

A rifle, firing pistol, two air weapons and a crossbow were seized from one address.

A 16-year-old and 14-year-old were arrested on suspicion of theft and a 67-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm without a licence.

All three have been bailed until December 6 pending further inquiries.

Leading the operation, Insp Terry Newman said: "Poaching is often linked to other kinds of rural crime, such as theft and burglary.

"We want offenders to know that neither will be tolerated and we will deal with offenders robustly.

"Those committing these types of offences should be warned that if we do not catch you in the act of committing the crime, you could be caught on camera – you never know who might be watching.

"We will continue to relentlessly pursue those stealing from the rural community and put them before the courts."