The joint operation by police and the RSPCA follows an investigation into badger baiting.

BBC: Badger baiting raids: Three men arrested and dogs seized

Often these offences, such as egg theft or badger baiting, take place in rural locations, making the gathering of evidence difficult.

BBC: Wildlife crime 'not taken seriously'

Ms Bilsborough added that since the wildlife conference first held five years ago, there had been a reduction in the number of people carrying out badger baiting and egg thefts in north Wales.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Wales | North East Wales | Appeal to tackle wildlife crime