On Friday (17/1), Thames Valley Police launched an appeal
for intelligence around the distribution and selling of illegal and counterfeit
pesticides.
Illegal pesticides have been found in increasing amounts
across the UK and Europe and Thames Valley Police has a particular interest in
illegal pesticides not just because of the risks they pose to the rural
communities but the links to organised crime gangs. There is growing evidence
that the illicit activities of such gangs finance other serious crimes such as
human trafficking and international terrorism.
It is not yet known to what extent, if any, illegal
pesticides are being sold within our rural communities. Gathering intelligence
and information is a vital part of the investigation, which is where you come
in.
Things to look out for:
- Does the product look or smell unusual?
- Have you been offered a product which has been described as the same as another but at a discounted rate?
- Have you been sold a product because your first choice was ‘out of stock’?
- Do you have any feelings that a product you have bought isn’t quite right? Are there any unusual symptoms or irregularities?(clogged spray jets / nozzles) etc
- Is the packaging unusual or not what you would expect?
If you notice anything suspicious about pesticides you have
either been offered or purchased, please call the 24 hour non-emergency number
101 and mention ‘Operation Silo’.
If you do not want to speak to the police, you can contact
the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
More information about illegal and counterfeit pesticides can be found on the Thames Valley Police website or read about the national ‘Watch Out’ campaign which was also launched last week.
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