BASINGSTOKE police and gamekeepers say a crackdown on poachers who cause damage and fear in rural areas is having a positive result.

Regular police operations to target poachers - and a Keeper Watch support network to enable keepers to communicate by mobile phone - have paid off, with 20 arrests in recent months.

Acting Sergeant Chris Swallow, of Basingstoke police, said illegal pursuits, such as hare coursing, where the creatures are often mauled by dogs, is a constant problem.

The activities are often linked to other offences, such as theft, and gamekeepers complain about being threatened by poaching gangs, crops being damaged and precious game birds being driven away, said Sgt Swallow.

A team of six officers is conducting regular patrols to catch poachers, helped by information from the 40-strong local Keeper Watch network.

"This is a ring-around system for gamekeepers, who call other keepers when they have poachers on their land," he said.

"They also have mobile phone numbers for local beat officers so they can contact them as well as the police control room."

"We have had some success recently, with 20 arrests since November.

"Word has got out and we are getting less calls reporting poaching. That's been a morale booster for the local keepers."

Sgt Swallow added that four poachers fined last month by magistrates were caught in the act as the result of the Keeper Watch initiative.

Keeper Watch member Guy Pike, 50, welcomed the crackdown. He has had to deal with up to six incidents some weekends on an estate near Basingstoke where he works, but the system has helped combat the problem.

"It works extremely well. Things have improved and it's reassuring to know that the police are out there helping us in rural areas where we've felt isolated in the past," said Mr Pike.

"Poachers are not a nice lot. I've been put in hospital two or three times through dealing with these people.

"As a keeper, you are out there in the wild blue yonder, so it's nice to know you've got someone on your side, looking out for you."

Information about joining Keeper Watch is available from Sgt Swallow on 0845 045 45 45.