A MAN will appear in court after illegal fox traps were placed close to a Surrey school.
The latest incident was reported on January 8, when a gin trap – a trap with metal teeth which close around an animal's legs – was spotted on land off Fielders Green in Guildford.
Surrey Police officers carried out house-to-house searches and seized any traps they found. Gin traps were made illegal in the UK in the 1950s.
The Wildlife Aid Foundation charity issued warnings and advice to residents and nearby schools amdist fears a pet or human could be injured.
A 49-year-old man from Merrow was interviewed in connection with the incident and is due to appear at court at a future date for wildlife offences.
Detective Inspector Martin Goodwin said: "Surrey Police is taking the reports of fox traps being found on land in Guildford very seriously and officers are continuing to carry out a thorough and proportionate investigation into this matter.
"I hope the swift police response to the initial reports and the fact that an individual has been reported for summons will reassure the community that we will act on the information they provide and take steps to keep the public safe.
"I would like to stress that these traps are illegal and we will take action against anyone who is found to have placed them on residential land.
"The traps are extremely dangerous and we are working with partner agencies and other organisations to ensure public safety and prevent any residents or animals in the area being injured."
Anyone with any information on the fox traps should call Surrey Police on 101, quoting reference P15006136, or call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
