THERE has been a rise in fishing equipment being stolen from homes and sold illegally according to a city angling business.

Worcester Angling Centre, on Brickfields Road, has warned of an increase in equipment thefts.

Owner Gary Hickton said tackle and bait are being targeted by thieves.

He added  the thefts increase in the summer months and has advised anglers to store their equipment in a safe place.

He said: "It is something that we hear about every year without fail and sadly people do not seem to learn.

"The equipment is being stolen from sheds, garages and other outbuildings. It is always safer to leave your equipment somewhere secure in your house."

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Mr Hickton said that the people buying the stolen equipment will often have no idea where it comes from.

He said: "The tackle and angling equipment that gets stolen is most often sold afterwards online or at car boot sales.

"So many people will buy this equipment for a slightly cheaper price but they will have no idea where it has come from.

"For any advice on keeping your equipment safe, anyone can always come into the shop and speak to me.

"It can also be smart to insure your fishing equipment as well to protect from thefts."

Worcester Angling Centre is an independent fishing tackle shop with a range of quality fishing tackle, rods and reels.

The Angling Trust, a not-for-profit organisation representing anglers, fish, fishing and the environment, published a list of tips to help protect against fishing equipment theft on its 'Lines On The Water' blog.

Securing your tackle with locks and taking preventative measures with CCTV or SmartWater were recommended in the blog post.

The blog also advises investing in fishing tackle insurance and also to make an inventory of all of your stock, so you can see if any items have been stolen.

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The Angling Trust also emphasised the importance of reporting tackle theft to the police.

To report a crime, you can call 101 or use the online 'Tell Us About' form on the West Mercia Police website at https://www.westmercia.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/.

We have contacted West Mercia Police for more information.