More Police officers to deal with wildlife crime
Police Scotland is increasing the number of officers who detect and prevent wildlife crime in Scotland with a new advanced training course scheduled for next month.
The additional training courses now means Police Scotland has a network more than 100 additional wildlife crime liaison officers across all 14 divisions.
It has also appointed a specialist Wildlife Crime Co-ordinator to a new post created in the Highland and Islands Division, with the officer due to take up post at the end of this month
The investigators tackle a variety of wildlife criminality including the persecution of animals such as bats and badgers; people illegally trading in endangered species; the poaching of fish and deer, and the persecution of birds of prey.
Species such as Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, Red Kites and Buzzards are among a wide variety of raptors that have historically nested in Scotland, however, they are often the victims of persecution. This can be in a variety of ways, including trapping, shooting and lacing animal carcasses with poison, which will kill any birds or other animals that feed on them.
It is also illegal to disturb birds of prey during nesting season, typically in late winter and early spring. Nest disruption can be simply walking or working in a known nesting area; heather burning, repeated use of machinery such as quad bikes and use of forestry equipment. Offenders also target the nests after they have been made, pulling them out of trees and smashing eggs. All of these are criminal offences.
Police Scotland is a member of the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime in Scotland - PAW Scotland - and works with partners to end wildlife crime in Scotland. In addition Police Scotland works closely with the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) when tackling individuals and groups committing wildlife crime
Detective Chief Superintendent Sean Scott, Chairperson of PAWS Raptor Group, said: “The natural and environmental assets of Scotland provide an extremely attractive country for residents and visitors alike; and are a source of financial wellbeing for the country.
“Crimes perpetrated against the wildlife and the natural environment of Scotland consistently attracts an extremely high level of interest and concern from communities, both locally and beyond.
“Tackling Wildlife Crime with our partners is a priority for Police Scotland and our officers use the most up-to-date investigative techniques, including state-of-the-art forensic examinations, the use of modern technology and enhanced training of specialist staff.”
We appeal again for everyone to keep their eyes open , report any suspicious activity and help us bring an end to Wildlife Crime in Scotland by calling 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
