Police are launching a major operation in Devon to catch bird of prey poisoners and egg thieves.
The RSPB has welcomed a major operation by Devon and Cornwall Police to tackle wild bird crime in Devon. Spearheaded by county Police Wildlife Crime Officer Josh Marshall, Operation Wilderness will use covert cameras to collect evidence on the illegal disturbance of some of the county's rarest and most vulnerable birds.
The operation is a response to last year’s shocking series of crimes against birds of prey in the county. In separate incidents, four Goshawks, a Common Buzzard and a Peregrine Falcon were all found poisoned.
Tony Whitehead of RSPB South-West said: “Crimes against wild birds continue to be a problem in Devon and Cornwall. In a survey recently, the area was identified as the fifth worst in England. We remain particularly concerned about the spate of bird of prey poisonings last year and the persistent threat from a small but obsessive community of egg collectors. There is also growing concern about a small number of reckless and irresponsible wildlife photographers who disturb sensitive species.”
The cameras were kindly donated by The Devon Bird Watching and Preservation Society. The intention is to place them at the nest sites of previously targeted species in Devon, and those of species that are considered vulnerable to persecution or disturbance.
Experienced volunteers with appropriate licences will locate the hard-to-find nest sites and place the cameras in situ. Each camera will be left in place for the duration of the bird's nesting attempt, and each will be placed discretely so that the birds are not disturbed. Hopefully, the cameras will be able to collect sufficient evidence to assist with prosecutions.
Tony Whitehead added: “This is a great initiative by the police, and we hope that the knowledge that key species are being watched in the places they nest will deter criminals. Make no mistake: killing or disturbing threatened species is a crime. If convicted, such crimes will result in either a fine and/or a prison sentence.
“We also hope it will remind people to remain vigilant and report anything they think is suspicious to the police.”
If anyone has information regarding bird crime they can call the Police on 101 and then the RSPB on 0845 466 3636. All information is handled in the strictest confidence.
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