Police are cracking down on poaching hotspots in Sussex as Christmas approaches.

The foot-and-mouth and BSE crises have led to a sharp increase in the crime as demand for naturally-bred game has soared.

Now police are targeting favoured poaching areas between Pulborough and Horsham and around Crawley.

Sussex wildlife liaison officer PC Tony Barnes said: "Wild game has become an increasingly popular source of meat.

"The health-conscious consumer is now putting a heavy demand on some retailers to obtain this kind of product.

"Unfortunately because of the demand for wild meat some people are taking advantage of this by poaching and illegally supplying meat."

Offenders can be charged with a range of offences, including firearms offences.

Anyone who shoots game must have the permission of the landowner and licences.

Poachers often use high-powered rifles and lamps at night, along with snares. Some hide the carcasses in nearby bushes to collect the next day.

PC Barnes said: "This practice is very dangerous as animal carcasses have to be treated in a prompt fashion and, if not handled correctly, can pose a possible serious health risk to the consumer. Deer can suffer health risks as easily as cattle."

Police have appealed for anyone with information about poachers to contact them on 0845 6070999.