North West Leicestershire Police's Rural Beat Team say they have found people using woodland bird hides as places for taking drugs.

The Team's latest newsletter did not reveal the location where the offenders were found, only that action was taken to stop it happening again.

They also say they are acting on incidents of animal cruelty and helping churches from stopping thieves breaking into their sites.

Also, they have acted to stop off-road motorcyclists using private land and being anti-social in public areas.

The newsletter says: "With regards to daily business, we have continued to work on a variety of investigations including; stolen agricultural machinery and equipment, anti-social behaviour and damage

caused within woodlands.

"And we have even stop and searched persons who felt it was suitable to utilise bird hides for drug taking, the drugs were seized and appropriate disposals were given.

"We have also risk assessed churches that have had their lead stolen or been broken into, in an attempt to make them more secure for the future and we have also continued to work with multiple organisations regarding the ongoing reports of off road bikes and 4x4s on either land they have no permission to go on, or acting anti-socially in areas that they can use.

"Furthermore, we have had more cases where we have worked with our partner agencies such as the RSPCA in relation to allegations of animal cruelty.

"From each of these incidents our contact list is expanding and we are noticing an increase of information being fed in, but we cannot stress enough, if you see something, say something, otherwise we cannot alter

our patrol plan to fit with the needs of our rural community.

"Last but not least, on Friday. 16th July, a proactive Police traffic operation took place, with the first location being within North West Leicestershire.

"The operation combined officers from Leicestershire Police, North West Leicestershire District Council and the DVSA.

"Throughout the operation it was great to see that a number of the vehicles were legal and safe to be on the road, however, there were some prohibitions given out by the DVSA and Leicestershire officers not only ended up handing out some seat belt tickets, but they also ended up recovering one vehicle.

"Plans for another joint operation this month are already underway."