Four Kaitangata men caught in a police poaching sting were last night trespassed from several forests between Te Anau and Ashburton.
The men were found in Rankleburn Forest, near Tapanui, where five police from Balclutha and Lawrence confiscated a vehicle and .303 rifles belonging to the men.
Detective Sergeant Kate Bartlett, of Balclutha, said the men "have been issued with a blanket trespass notice", one man could be charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, and police were seeking to have the remaining firearms licences revoked.
Operation Poacher was a combined effort between herself and Detective Wayne O'Connell, of Mosgiel, which began last year when police identified the same problems occurring in each area, Det Sgt Bartlett said.
"This initiative was developed after police noted that there was an increase in theft, wilful damage and firearms offences in local forestry areas.
"On closer inspection, [we] found it was the same people.
"We got together and developed Operation Poacher."
Following a meeting with forestry managers, police now have the authority to trespass people from all major forests, and are looking to include local farmers in the partnership, Det Sgt Bartlett said.
