Wildlife Crime is any illegal act in Scotland affecting certain birds, animals, and plants including their habitats. It includes the illegal disturbance, destruction, theft, and sale of animals and plants both in the countryside and urban areas, and also the damage and destruction of protected habitats. Wildlife Crime poses significant harm to the species targeted by the criminals, as well as the communities who rely on wildlife for employment and tourism.
Some examples of types of Wildlife Crime include:
- Damage to Sites of Special Scientific Interest
- The disturbance of sea mammals
- Illegal use of traps and snares
- Illegal cockle picking
- Removal of birds' nests from the eves of houses at certain times of the year.
There are currently seven specific Wildlife Crime Priorities in Scotland and the UK.
- Bat Crime
- Badger Persecution
- Raptor (Birds of Prey) Persecution
- Freshwater Pearl Mussels Persecution
- CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) Issues
- Poaching
- Cyber Enabled Wildlife Crime
Although any officer can investigate wildlife crime, every Division in Police Scotland has a Wildlife Crime Liaison Officer and there is also a network of part-time Wildlife Crime Officers across the force.
These officers can be contacted to report a crime or to seek advice on wildlife crime matters. Call Police Scotland on 101 to report a wildlife crime or email us at
Contactus@scotland.pnn.police.uk
If you suspect a wildlife crime is/has taken place
DO:
Report any suspicious activity as soon as possible to Police Scotland on 101 or 999 if it is an emergency, and ask to speak to a Wildlife Crime Officer if one is available
Take note of the date, time, and weather conditions
If possible, identify a map reference using the My Three Words app, or ideally a GPS reading of both the incident scene and location from where you witnessed the incident
Note a description of person/s involved including gender, age, height, clothing, etc.
Write down any vehicle registration numbers, make, model, and colour that may be involved
Identify other witnesses and obtain their name and contact details
If possible, video or photograph the scene, or make a rough sketch
Cover up any suspected poisoned baits or victims to prevent any animal or person from coming into contact with them.
Do report. Even if you are not sure - report the incident. The evidence of wildlife crime is not always obvious.
DO NOT:
Do not disturb the scene by moving items or walking about unnecessarily
Do not touch dead animals or birds, especially if you suspect that poison may have been used
Do not interfere with legal countryside practices such as the legal use of traps and snares, hides, high seats, and shooting butts.
NEVER:
Never approach suspects or intervene if you suspect someone is committing a wildlife crime – you may put yourself in danger.
The Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service also has a dedicated Wildlife and Environmental Crime Unit; working together we aim to ensure our officers are trained to the highest level to ensure thorough investigation and prosecution of wildlife crime.
More information on wildlife crime can be found at
A 22 year old man will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal for vandalism after being found responsible for smashing a window in Cromlix Road, Perth on Tuesday 4th January.
A 41 year old man was arrested for possession of a knife in a public place in Maxton Place, Perth on Sunday 9th January.
A 43 year old man was arrested for drink driving on the A90 at Middlebank on Saturday 8th January
A 46 year old man was arrested for dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, possession of a knife and failing to provide a breath test after a one vehicle road traffic collision on the A93 near Guildtown on Wednesday 5th January
During the last week 8 drivers were found to be without insurance, 2 had no licence and 2 had no MOT
RECENT INCIDENTS
About 3am, Thursday 6th January, a quantity of lead flashing was stolen from a property in York Place, Perth. (CR/788/22)
Between 2am and 12pm, Sunday 9th January, a garage was broken into in Cornhill Way, Perth. 2 Canyon Mountain Bikes were stolen (939/22)
About 5:30am, Saturday 8th January, a black Mitsibushi L200 was damaged whilst parked in Main Street, Methven. (CR/801/22)
Between 12pm, Tuesday 4th and 11:20am, Wednesday 5th January, a wing mirror was knocked off a blue Fiat Panda parked in High Street, Rattray. (CR/549/22)
Between 8:30pm, Friday 7th and 10am, Saturday 8th January, a Suzuki Sx4 was vandalised in Airlie Place, Alyth. (CR981/22)
Between Thursday 23rd December and Tuesday 4th January, a window was smashed at The Community School of Auchterarder. (CR/592/22)
Anyone with any information that may be useful should contact Tayside Division on 101 or any police officer, quoting the crime reference number listed at each incident. Alternatively information can be passed anonymously via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Regards,
Graham Binnie.
Chief Inspector
Local Area Commander
Perth and Kinross
FURTHER INFORMATION AND INTERNET LINKS
As we receive reports of crime, the information is shared on https://www.pkcommunitywatch.co.uk/
I would encourage you to sign up for notifications.
Guidance on how to protect your property is available via Community Watch as well as on the Police Scotland Website, just click or copy and paste the following link:-
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