Operation Wilderness targets bird crime in South Devon
SPRING heralds the start of the wild birds breeding season and police in South Devon are appealing to the public to be the 'eyes and ears' on the ground and inform them of any suspicious people they may see at nesting sites.
Operation Wilderness, launched in 2012, is designed to combat persecution of birds.
In the past the region's birds have been targeted by egg collectors and others intent on breaking the law when near to the nests of some species.
With a wealth of experience in all aspects of upvc, from windows & doors to conservatories and anything in between GDH UPVC offers competitive prices why not call today you maybe surprised!
Contact: 01803 226676
Valid until: Thursday, June 20 2013
In 2011 Devon made national headlines when a record number of birds of prey were found poisoned in the area, among these were very rare and specially protected species.
Operation Wilderness utilises covert camera technology installed at locations within the region near to the nests. Their purpose is to capture images of any people going to near to the nest sites. This enables the police to gain vital evidence needed for prosecutions.
Cameras will again be deployed around the region at sensitive nest sites in an attempt to deter and detect these offences, for which sentences can attract a 6 month prison sentence or a fine of up to £5,000.
The breeding season for some of Devon's rarest breeding birds begins during late March and continues into the summer, for some species this finishes in August.
PC Josh Marshall, Wildlife Crime Officer within Devon, said: "2012 was a great year for these rare species in the region and Devon and Cornwall Police would like to repeat the success this year.
"Sadly, in some cased illegal activity has led to the disappearance of some species from the region but with the public's help we want to minimise the risk of that happening again."
3 Comments
by JosefLeninski
Thursday, March 14 2013, 10:42PM
“If the powers that be adopt the same tactics with birds as they do with humans all they will do is stick parking tickets on eggs.”
by Hocus_Pocus
Thursday, March 14 2013, 10:14PM
“Yea, I noticed a Bail Hostel nest has been built in the 3rd tree from the right, loads of birds just lying around high on illegal worms. And all those public sector birds with gold plated nest eggs (get it!)..........
One day you will be able to comment on a thread without trying to bend it to your copy and paste Daily Mail postings.”
by JosefLeninski
Thursday, March 14 2013, 1:15PM
“I hope the police are better at tackling 'bird crime' than they are at tackling human crime.”