Warning signs go up to stop Poles stealing river fish for Christmas dinner

Keep off our fish.

Three roadsign-style warnings were launched yesterday to stop Eastern European immigrants from spearing, taking home and cooking coarse fish from our rivers, lakes and canals.

The initiative is timely because carp and pike are a traditional Christmas dish in Poland and officials fear an increase in fish rustling over the next few weeks.

Eastern Europeans often plead ignorance of the British tradition that catches are thrown back, and instead take them home for supper.

The posters are reminiscent of a sign devised by Luton Angling Club and also aimed at immigrants, warning that swans on the Grand Union Canal are not to be eaten.

They are backed by the Environment Agency and are being distributed by agencies including the Fisheries and Angling Conservation Trust (FACT).

Tasty: Carp are traditionally eaten for Christmas dinner in Poland

The trust's director, Michael Heylin, said: "These are easy to understand so there will be no excuses.

"The pictures clearly mean, "Don't steal, cook or kill fish".

"The Environment Agency has signs in 19 languages, but unless you know the nationality of the thief they won't work.

"The problem has been around for many years but with the opening up of our borders it has got a lot worse.

"Some newcomers aren't aware that we release our fish, but others are formed into gangs who know what they are doing is wrong.

"These posters will hopefully prevent the ignorant immigrants from taking the fish.

"It is especially important at this time of year because with the bad weather there will be fewer anglers out to report theft."

The posters are available to download from the FACT website and they are being handed out to fishing- tackle shops and lake owners.

They have been designed by the angling organisation CEMEX.

At Christmas, Poles traditionally eat a dinner which includes herring, pike and carp.

Often a place is left free at the table, apparently in case Jesus turns up.