Farmers and rural homeowners are being reminded to be vigilant following a series of reports of poaching.

On January 15, trespassers who entered land in Upper Halling were reported to have been firing catapults at pheasants.

Five days later, it is alleged pheasants were also targeted with an air rifle, by people travelling in a vehicle near Holly Hill.

An 18-year-old man from Snodland, linked to the offences, has since been issued with a Community Protection Notice warning.

Under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, this means he cannot be found with any weapon capable of causing harm to wildlife and also excludes him from entering certain areas.

PCSO Kim Lidbury said: "Warnings such as these mean that if we catch the same person involved in trespassing or poaching again, they can face fines and criminal prosecution.

"Poaching is carried out by people who have absolutely no permission or authority to do so. It is also often done in an inhuman way which can cause great distress and suffering to the animals targeted.

"Trespassing on private land can also lead to criminal damage, which is both costly and disruptive to landowners and local communities."

Kent Police works with the Nation Farmers Union (NFU) and other partner agencies to encourage people to report any incidents of suspicious behaviour as soon as possible.

Some of the key signs for residents to look out for include vehicles parked on verges, in lay-bys or on bridleway, lines of people walking through fields with dogs, trying to raise hare or game and damage to gates and boundaries around land

Anyone who sees anything suspicious is urged to call Kent Police on 101 or 999 if a crime is in progress.

Alternatively, call Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Documenting vehicle details and passing them to police can also assist in early intervention.